University of Northampton kickstarts Sports Seminar Series in the run-up to Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025

‘Supercharging the growth of women’s sport’ is the name of the game for the University of Northampton, as it announces the first in its Sports Seminar Series.

To shine a light on the importance of accelerating the growth of women’s sports in Northamptonshire, England and across the globe, the University’s Sports Seminar Series will take place throughout the next ten months to spark important discussions around raising the profile of women’s sports, and inspiring the next generation of young women to turn to sports as a profession.

Northampton’s legendary Franklins Gardens stadium – home of the internationally renowned Northampton Saints – will be hosting several matches as part of the biggest-ever celebration of women’s international rugby for the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2025, taking place from August 22 – 27 September.

The UON Sports Seminar Series will be one part of the University’s festival of action taking place in the lead-up to kick-off on August 22, inviting members of the public onto its Waterside Campus to hear valuable insights and messages of inspiration from community sports organisations and international sportswomen.

Each month, the University will host a seminar, taking place on a weekday, from 6-8pm, which will be free to attend for staff, students and members of the local community.

The first session, titled ‘Adrenaline Alley: Beginner to Gold!’, will be led by Mandy Young MBE DL, CEO and Founder of Adrenaline Alley, an indoor skate park located in Corby which offers BMX, scooter, inline and skateboard sessions for all abilities.

Taking place on Wednesday, November 6 from 6.30-8pm, Mandy’s seminar will open the doors on her ongoing work to encourage young women into BMX, skateboarding, scootering and skating – all traditionally male-dominated sports – through offering free female sessions to develop the social and life skills which enable female riders to become coaches and professional athletes.

Ahead of the seminar, Mandy reflects: “Since our establishment in 2002, we’ve nurtured countless female beginner riders to take on the sport – including notably, Olympic Gold medallist Charlotte Worthington, who said, “without Adrenaline Alley my life would be so different. I wouldn’t have travelled the world, been a two-time Olympian or met the wonderful people I have that have helped me on my journey”.

Looking ahead to UON’s Sports Seminar Series, Head of Science, Scott Bradley said: “It’s an incredibly exciting time for Northampton, as we look forward to a summer celebrating women’s rugby on an international stage from our very own Franklin’s Gardens – just a stone’s throw from campus.

“Last year was a huge year for England in the Women’s Football World Cup, as the Lionesses roared into the final, catching attention and support from across the world. We’re hoping for a similar season of smashing success for our England women’s rugby team, all from the University’s own home county.

“It’s incredibly important to continue ensuring future generations of women’s rugby and sports are supported from the grass roots up, which is at the beating heart of what we do here at UON.

“The UON Sports Seminar Series will provide an important and exciting opportunity for our academic and local community to come together at Waterside Campus, hear from leading figures and sportswomen on the future of female sports, and critically – inspire our next generation of talent on a trajectory to success.”

RWC 2025 aims to continue to raise the bar for women in rugby, inspiring the next generation of young players and supercharging the growth of women’s sport in England and across the globe. The Rugby World Cup Impact Programme, delivered by the RFU in partnership with the UK Government and Sport England, will also create more opportunities for females than ever before across all levels of the game through its volunteer, coaching and internship programmes.

A limited number of free tickets can be booked for Mandy Young’s seminar – Adrenaline Alley: Beginner to Gold! – via Eventbrite. The session will be taking place on Wednesday, November 6 from 6.30-8pm.

More details about upcoming talks in UON’s Sports Seminar Series will be announced in the coming weeks, so stay tuned for more information.