Scrum-thing special: housebuilder extends support for women’s rugby team

Female rugby players

ALLANWATER Homes has announced a renewal of its sponsorship of The Hillfoots Vixens, the first women’s rugby team at Hillfoots RFC.

The move continues the housebuilder’s commitment to community life in and around Alloa. The Vixens formed in September 2023. Based in Tillicoultry, the team began with just six players attending the first training session. Today, the team has more than 35 registered players and has launched a junior section for girls aged 12 and over.

Thanks to Allanwater’s support, the senior team has unveiled a new kit – the second to feature the Allanwater Homes name.

Christina Swinton, joint head coach of The Vixens, said, “We’re incredibly grateful to Allanwater Homes for continuing to support us. Their sponsorship has helped us take real strides, both on and off the pitch.

“Our first competitive season exceeded all expectations – finishing fifth in our league and second in the Women’s National Plate competition. We’ve also been working hard to raise funds for vital upgrades to our clubhouse, which was badly damaged during the winter storms. It’s been inspiring to see the whole team get involved in events like our 5k-a-day fundraiser.”

The junior section has also seen growing momentum, with players participating in their first competitive matches and hosting evolution events which drew over 100 girls from across the region.

“The Junior Vixens are gaining confidence and experience with every game,” added Christina. “It’s brilliant to see so many girls discovering the sport and enjoying it.”

Allanwater Homes’ support for the Vixens is part of a wider community legacy built up over two decades at Oaktree Gardens in Alloa, where the housebuilder has delivered more than 200 homes and supported a range of local causes.

Lauren McNair, development sales manager at Oaktree Gardens, said, “It’s wonderful to see the positive impact The Vixens are having on women and girls’ rugby locally. At Allanwater, we’ve always aimed to support grassroots initiatives that bring people together, whether that’s through sport, fundraising or partnerships like our ongoing support for the Alloa Foodbank.

“We’re proud of the community that’s taken root at Oaktree Gardens over the past 20 years. With our latest phase now underway, we look forward to welcoming even more families to this vibrant part of Alloa.”

Allanwater Homes’ ninth phase at Oaktree Gardens includes a range of three-bedroom homes.