KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor Rugby (SR) will be organising a golf fundraising tournament in Petaling Jaya in May to raise RM200,000 to boost their women's rugby development programmes this year.
Tan Thiam Jin, who heads SR's women's programme, said the state union hopes to develop its women's 15s team from this year and expand their reach at the grassroots level.
SR has been developing its women's sevens side for the past few years.
"We have several programmes lined up for the women's side this year. We are hoping to raise some funds to make it possible to run them," said Thiam Jin.
"Malaysia Rugby will be introducing a new national 15s tournament for women later this year, so we are looking to prepare a squad for that competition.
"The 15s format will allow more players of all shapes and sizes to get involved in the game instead of only the tall and slim sprinter-type players, who are more commonly associated with rugby sevens.
"We are also hoping to expand the women's game at the grassroots by introducing the sport to more primary and secondary schools in the state.
"We want to train more coaches, possibly among school teachers, specifically for the women's game.
"We hope to discuss this with the Selangor State Education Department and obtain their approval before moving ahead."
Instead of waiting for grants and other handouts to run their programmes, SR has taken the initiative to organise a golf fundraiser, which will be held at the Seri Selangor Golf Club.
"We have yet to finalise the date, but it will be held in May," added Thiam Jin.
"Each flight will cost RM2,000.
"Although the amount we raise from the fundraiser may not be enough to cover our all programmes, every little bit helps."
Those interested in joining the golf fundraiser or contributing through other means may contact Thiam Jin at 0163397779.