The Isle of Man’s only women’s rugby club, Vagabonds Ladies, and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company (IOMSPC) have created a special video.
The video charts the journey of Vagabonds Ladies and their aspirations for the future, in honour of International Women’s Day (March 8).
The five minute video shows how the sport has brought women from different walks of life together, how it encourages female empowerment, has created a social community, and develops confidence.
Vagabonds Ladies
“We started Vagabonds Ladies because there were no other ladies teams on the island and there was a growing interest towards the sport,” said Joanne McCabe from Vagabonds Ladies.
“It was a bit controversial at the time because there was some resistance since it was a male dominated sport. When we decided to have a go at the UK leagues we went in a social league and we won that, then we won the next one, and the next one.
Joanne McCabe from Vagabonds Ladies
“It became a bit of a big deal that we were the pioneers doing that. It felt special, but at the same time, it didn’t feel any different. It just felt like just another sport that women are having a go at and succeeding.”
IOMSPC has supported Vagabonds Ladies since 2022 with travel to and from the island through its Manx Community Assistance schemes.
Brian Thomson, IOMSPC Managing Director, said: “We are proud to tell the story of the Vagabonds Ladies club and celebrate the fantastic community and opportunities they have created for women on the island.
“We are delighted to support the team and the wider Manx community through our range of schemes and would encourage any teams or individuals who could use assistance to get in touch.”
IOMSPC offer assistance to events, groups, organisations and individuals travelling to/from the Isle of Man for sporting, educational and cultural activities, as well as support for the transportation of necessary equipment.
They offer support to charitable organisations, businesses and groups hosting island fundraising events such as raffles.
For more information about IOMSPC’s Manx Community Assistance schemes and to make an application visit the Steam Packet website.
To find out more about Vagabonds Ladies go to their Facebook page.
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