Women’s Sport Week showcase: Lee Anne Steel

To celebrate Women’s Sport Week 2016, Scottish Rugby is showcasing women who are making a difference to rugby in Scotland. Today we hear from Lee Anne Steel who is in her second season as President of Livingston.Name: Lee Anne SteelAge: 40Club: LivingstonRole: President, coach & refereeI referee, volunteer & coach rugby because … I love the game and the values that come with it. Everyone can get involved and there’s a real family spirit where everyone works as one big team.How long have you been involved in rugby? As a supporter for longer than I’d like to admit, but in a committee role about six years.Why did you get involved? I got more involved as my husband and kids all played so it was so we could spend more time as a family, however I have gotten so much out of it and enjoyed coaching and refereeing I spend more time than they do!What do you love about rugby? Rugby for me is all about fun, respect and friendship.  From our youngsters having a ball on Sunday mornings, to our senior team giving everything on the pitch on a Saturday to the thrill of internationals, meeting great people, the rugby family has something for everyone.Why should women get involved in rugby? There are so many strengths women can bring to rugby. We need great role models to encourage women and girls to get involved at all levels.  We need to continue to grow our game in Scotland and develop our players at all levels.How has sport made an impact on your life? Rugby has brought me a whole new skill set.  Leadership, coaching, networking, marketing, child development, first aid and so much more.What would you say to a woman or girl who is thinking about giving rugby a go? Go for it! From playing to coaching, refereeing to volunteering there are so many rewarding roles. You won’t look back. Try rugby this week! Scottish clubs are welcoming new and returning players to free sessions during Women’s Sport Week from 3-9 October. Check out what is happening near you here and get along and give rugby a go.Women and girls can also sign up on scottishrugby.org to kick start their involvement in what is a unique game for all shapes, sizes and abilities. There are plenty of ways to get involved from coaching to refereeing and volunteering as well as playing.