Protecting Smiles & Supporting Local Grassroots Girls’ Rugby - Game Guard Sponsors the Valkyries
- alisonpitt
- Jul 22
- 2 min read
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.
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.
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. Beyond physical protection, a well-fitting, comfortable gum shield offers peace of mind, allowing young players to focus on performing at their best.
“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
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.
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.
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.
Want to keep your own players protected?
Check out our full range of affordable, high-quality gumshields today.