Grassroots Girls Rugby Sponsorship: How Game Guard Supports the Five Valleys Valkyries

Supporting Grassroots Girls Rugby Sponsorship in Gloucestershire

At Game Guard, we believe every young player deserves to feel confident, protected, and proud to participate in the sports they love. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our sponsorship of the Five Valleys Valkyries, a local, under-12s girls' rugby team formed by a partnership between Dursley RFC, Painswick RFC, and Old Cryptians RFC.

Why Safety Matters in Youth Rugby

The Valkyries are more than just a rugby team; they’re a symbol of what’s possible when community clubs come together to create more inclusive opportunities in sport. With a growing squad of committed and courageous girls, supported by passionate coaches and volunteers, the team is helping to change the game for girls’ rugby in Gloucestershire.

Grassroots Sponsorship That Goes Beyond the Shirt

As part of the sponsorship, every Valkyries player now wears a Game Guard boil-and-bite gum shield for matches and training. These aren’t just accessories; they’re essential pieces of safety equipment that help reduce the risk of serious dental injuries in contact sports. That’s why we only supply UKCA and CE certified gumshields designed specifically for contact sport protection. Beyond physical protection, a well-fitting, comfortable gum shield offers peace of mind, allowing young players to focus on performing at their best. As we explain in our guide to why a good fit gum shield matters, comfort directly affects whether young players wear protection consistently.

In youth rugby, dental injuries remain one of the most common preventable injuries in contact sport. A properly fitted gumshield significantly reduces the risk of chipped, fractured, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth — injuries that can have long-term physical and financial consequences for families.

“We are extremely fortunate to have established a partnership with Game Guard, who have generously stepped forward as the main shirt sponsor for our newly formed girls’ rugby team, the Five Valleys Valkyries.

Their support has gone far beyond sponsorship — they have attended training sessions and provided a generous supply of complimentary gum shields for our players.

Collaborating with a local company whose values focus on delivering high-quality protection at accessible prices in a high-impact sport allows us to champion the importance of player safety, both within our club and across the wider rugby community." - Coach Chris Coombs

Across grassroots rugby, governing bodies consistently recommend the use of mouthguards in both matches and training sessions. While rules vary between formats and age groups, player safety guidance strongly supports wearing certified protection at all levels of the game.

Why Gumshields Are Essential in Girls Rugby

We know that for many parents and carers, youth sport comes with a long list of responsibilities—from getting to training sessions to making sure kit is up to scratch. At Game Guard, we aim to take one thing off the list: affordable, high-quality protection that’s easy to fit and ready to perform. Every gumshield we produce is manufactured in the UK, fully traceable, and tested to meet UKCA and CE safety standards. For parents and clubs, that means protection that isn’t just comfortable — it’s compliant, safety-certified, and built for real contact sport.

For clubs looking for reliable equipment throughout the season, investing in durable gumshields for schools and clubs reduces mid-season replacements and admin headaches.

Investing in the Future of Girls in Sport

Throughout the season, we’ll be sharing stories and insights from the Valkyries, what the coaches think of the team’s progress, how the girls are developing in the sport, and their thoughts on using Game Guard gumshields. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on what happens behind the scenes of grassroots sport, and why the right equipment and encouragement matter.

We’re also using this partnership to help raise awareness about the importance of wearing gumshields across all contact sports, not just rugby. From hockey to martial arts, mouth protection is essential, and our mission is to make it accessible to everyone.

Sponsoring grassroots sport isn’t just about visibility — it’s about responsibility. By supporting youth teams and promoting certified protection, we’re actively contributing to safer sporting environments across local communities.

The Valkyries embody the values we care about: teamwork, resilience, and confidence. By sponsoring them, we’re not just putting our name on a shirt. We’re investing in the future of girls in sport, promoting safer play, and showing that even the smallest pieces of kit can make a big difference.

So, whether you’re a parent, coach, or player, we hope you’ll follow the Valkyries’ journey with us next season. You’ll find updates on our website and social media as the season unfolds. At Game Guard, we’re here to support players and help keep the game safe for everyone involved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are gumshields important in girls’ rugby?

Girls’ rugby, like all contact forms of the sport, involves tackles, collisions, and accidental impacts that can result in dental injuries. A properly fitted gumshield helps absorb and disperse force, significantly reducing the risk of chipped, fractured, or knocked-out teeth. Wearing a gumshield during both matches and training is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect young players’ smiles.

 Do under-12 rugby players need UKCA and CE certified gumshields?

Yes. While specific regulations can vary by competition and format, safety guidance across grassroots rugby strongly recommends the use of certified protective equipment. UKCA and CE certified gumshields have been tested to meet recognised safety standards for impact resistance, material safety, and performance. For parents and clubs, choosing certified protection provides added reassurance that the gumshield is designed for real contact sport.

Are boil-and-bite gumshields suitable for grassroots rugby?

Boil-and-bite gumshields are widely used in youth and grassroots rugby because they offer a personalised fit without the cost of custom dental moulds. When fitted correctly and manufactured to certified safety standards, they provide reliable protection for training and matches. The key is ensuring proper moulding and selecting a product that meets UKCA and CE requirements.

How can local rugby clubs secure gumshield sponsorship?

Local rugby clubs interested in gumshield sponsorship should contact manufacturers directly to explore partnership opportunities. Sponsorship arrangements may include discounted or complimentary equipment, safety education support, or community initiatives. Partnerships like this help promote safer play while strengthening local grassroots sport.

Why is wearing a gumshield important in training as well as matches?

Many dental injuries occur during training sessions rather than competitive fixtures. Tackling drills, scrums, and contact practice all carry risk. Wearing a gumshield consistently — not just on match day — helps build safety habits and ensures players are protected at all times.

Looking to support your own team with affordable, UKCA and CE certified gumshields?

Explore our school and club packs designed specifically for grassroots rugby.

Pack of 10 - Game Guard Gumshields - Mixed Colours

£24.95

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