Our Three chosen club charities for 22/23 are Show Racism The Red Card, Breast Cancer Now and Trust House Reading.

As a club we highly value our inclusivity and believe it is vitally important that we not only stand against racism, but also continue to further educate ourselves and others as we are aware it continues to be a prodominant issue throughout all aspects of life, not only football but every sport. This year we have chosen Show Racism The Red Card as one of three important charities we will show our support for, raise awareness about and fundraise for throughout the year.

As a club made up of alot of women, many of who have had personal experiences with cancer affecting family and friends, we believe it is extremely important to not only raise money to support those with breast cancer and their families, but also to educate ourselves and others about signs and symptoms and the importance of checking your chest. Everyone has breast tissue, males, females, and non-binary people so early detection is really important regardless of your age or gender. Our goal for the year as a club is to actively provide information to all our members, and the wider university community, about the importance of knowing the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and to check their chests regularly. We will be fundraising for this organisation throughout the year to raise money for support services and further essential research into Breast Cancer.

As one of RUWFC's chosen charities this year we want to campaign to raise awareness of the obstacles faced by victims and survivors of rape and sexual violence, as well as fundraise for Trust House Reading to support a local charity which helps vulnerable people from our local community and a non-judgemental, confidential and safe place for women, men and children to turn to.

Trust House Reading provide free and confidential services to people who has been affected by rape and sexual abuse. Support is available to women, men and children who are survivors of historical or recent rape and sexual abuse and to people who support them including friends, family and professionals. Services include: Counselling for adults, Counselling for young people, play therapy for children, confidential helpline, independent sexual violence advisor (ISVA), children independent sexual violence advisor (CHISVA), support groups and training.

Fundraising so far

On Friday 21st October it is Wear Red Day 2022. Although we aren't at training on the day, we encouraged our memers to wear red and show their support of this vital cause as a club on Sunday 23rd October at our 5-aside training. Thank you to all our members for wearing as much RED as you can and donating so we can contribute to SRtRC ongoing campaign to help tackle racism in society by educating young people and adults to challenge racial misconceptions, stereotypes and negative attitudes in society.

Every October people show their support for Breast Cancer and raise awareness by wearing pink and our members were encouraged to wear pink sports kit at our training session.

On Saturday 19th November we held an alumni charity match in support of two of our three chosen charities: Show Racism The Red Card and Breast Cancer Now. The match was a success with a large turnout of supporters and participating players. Thank you to everyone who played and came to support, and those who donated!

On Monday 16th January, 4-5pm, Reading University Women's Football Club will be hosting a charity match joint with Reading University Men's Rugby League to raise money for Trust House Reading and Orchid. We encourage everyone to come down to the university astro pitches to watch and any donations would be really appreciated!