The Serbian Rugby League Federation (SRLF) has received support through the Australian Government’s Direct Aid Program (DAP) for the implementation of the project “Rugby League is for Girls – Play the Ball”, an initiative designed to expand opportunities for girls and young women to participate in Rugby League across Serbia.
The Direct Aid Program is funded by the Australian Government and managed locally by the Australian Embassy in Belgrade. The program supports practical, community-based projects and places particular emphasis on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. serbia.embassy.gov.au
As part of the project, the Serbian Rugby League Federation has produced 400 specially designed Rugby League balls, carrying the visual identity of Serbian Rugby League and Australian Aid. The balls will be distributed to Rugby League clubs across Serbia and used directly in activities delivered under the DAP-supported program.
The equipment will provide clubs with an important practical resource for introducing more girls to the sport, organising training sessions, promotional activities and community events, and building sustainable women’s and girls’ Rugby League programs at local level.
Rugby League as a platform for equality
The project “Rugby League is for Girls – Play the Ball” was developed as a grassroots initiative using sport as a tool for equality, inclusion, teamwork and empowerment. The original project framework specifically identifies gender equality, human rights and sporting participation among its objectives and focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment in which girls can learn and enjoy Rugby League. Application-BGD87
The initiative responds to the limited opportunities that girls can still face in structured team and contact sports. Through Rugby League, the project aims not only to increase participation but also to challenge traditional gender stereotypes, strengthen confidence and leadership, and demonstrate that girls and women have an equal place in sport. Application-BGD87 Application-BGD87
Activities are intended to be delivered through cooperation between the Federation, local Rugby League clubs, schools and communities in different parts of Serbia. The wider project model includes introductory Rugby League activities, coach development, community events, equipment distribution and promotional activities aimed at increasing the visibility of girls and women in the sport. Application-BGD87
The 400 Rugby League balls will therefore have a role well beyond the provision of sporting equipment. They will become a practical tool for clubs to bring new participants into the game and to continue developing opportunities for women and girls after individual project activities have been completed.
Thank you, Australia 🇦🇺🇷🇸
The Serbian Rugby League Federation expresses its sincere gratitude to the Australian Government, the Australian Embassy in Belgrade, and H.E. Mr Peter Truswell, Ambassador of Australia to Serbia, for their support and confidence in the project. Mr Truswell is the current Australian Ambassador to Serbia, as well as Australia’s Ambassador to Montenegro and North Macedonia. serbia.embassy.gov.au
Australia is the global home of Rugby League, and this support has particular significance for the development of the sport in Serbia. Through the Direct Aid Program, Australian assistance is helping Serbian clubs use Rugby League not only as a competitive sport, but also as a platform for gender equality, inclusion, leadership and the empowerment of women and girls.
The Serbian Rugby League Federation looks forward to working with its clubs throughout Serbia to turn this support into sustainable opportunities for a new generation of female players, coaches and leaders.
Thank you to the Australian Government, the Australian Embassy in Belgrade and Ambassador Peter Truswell for supporting the growth of women’s Rugby League in Serbia. 🏉🇦🇺🇷🇸
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