OPRO partnership helps break down barriers for young women and girls in sport

OPRO partnership helps break down barriers for young women and girls in sport

A new partnership between Bath Rugby Foundation and leading mouthguard manufacturer OPRO is helping to remove barriers to sport for hundreds of young women and girls taking part in our Maddy’s Mark sessions.

Through the donation of over 200 free Snap-Fit mouthguards, OPRO has played a vital role in boosting participation and confidence among young people who may otherwise be excluded due to the cost of essential equipment.

Jack, our Diversity and Inclusion Officer, explained the impact of this partnership:

"We initially reached out to Bath Rugby to see if they had any spare mouthguards, and they put us in touch with their supplier, OPRO. Straight away, OPRO kindly sent us a batch of their Snap-Fit mouthguards – and that simple act has made an incredible difference.

Many of the girls and young women we work with don’t see themselves as typical rugby players. They face a number of barriers in their lives – financial, social, and emotional – and a piece of kit like a mouthguard can feel like just another obstacle. Even at £10 or £15, it’s an added cost that many families simply can’t stretch to."

Jack Hill
Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Bath Rugby Foundation

 

Since the partnership began, Bath Rugby Foundation has used the mouthguards in its Maddy’s Mark sessions, supporting more than 200 girls and young women to feel safe, included, and valued as they engage in sport.

 “The buy-in we get when we give out a free mouthguard is huge,” Jack continued. “It shows them that we care. They come back to the next session still holding onto it – they’ve looked after it, they’re proud of it, and suddenly they’re not just caring about the kit, they’re caring about the sport, their behaviour, and their physical health. That small gesture has a huge ripple effect.”

Jack Hill

 

OPRO, founded by dentist Dr Anthony Lovat over 25 years ago, is based in Hemel Hempstead and is the world’s most technically advanced mouthguard company. Their Snap-Fit range – including designs for those with braces – removes the need for moulding and offers instant, safe protection straight out of the bag.

 “We’re incredibly proud to support Bath Rugby Foundation and the brilliant work they do in the community. By providing free mouthguards for their programmes, including the inspiring Maddy’s Mark sessions, we hope to help remove barriers to participation and give more young people the confidence to get involved in sport safely.”

Daniel Lovat
Co-Managing Director, OPRO

 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusion, safety, and access – ensuring more young people can take part in sport without fear of financial or physical barriers.

“It’s down to businesses like OPRO who think inclusively – like we do – that we’ve been able to work with over 200 young women and girls, giving them access to a sport they once thought was out of reach,”

Lucy Slade
Communications Manager, Bath Rugby Foundation

 

Partner with Bath Rugby Foundation

If you are an individual or business who has been inspired by our partnership and would like to offer your services to help Bath Rugby Foundation change young lives, please get in touch: contact@bathrugbyfoundation.com

www.bathrugbyfoundation.com

 

Bestselling Mouthguards - The Instant Custom Fit

View all

The Choice of Professionals

Worn by over 10,000,000 athletes worldwide.

Shop Instant Custom Fit Mouthguards
Back to top