Sophie Spence is an Irish women's rugby player. She has been working in DCU as the rugby development officer for the last three years. She has developed rugby in DCU immensely during this time for both women and men. Before Sophie became the rugby development officer the girls team could hardly field a team in division two due to the lack of numbers. Now there is 2 women's teams (division 1 and 2). Both reached their respective semi finals this year. The men's teams are also striving. This is due to the excellent coaches and trials made available to us via Sophie's connections. Sophie is now facing not having her contract renewed. Losing Sophie Spence will be a great loss to DCU rugby and DCU sport.
Updates
April 14, 2017
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement demonstrates the genuine impact Sophie Spence has made on the rugby program at DCU.
Reached 250 supporters
April 13, 2017
April 13, 2017
The administration remains silent regarding the status of this contract despite the evidence of growth within the rugby program. I am currently preparing a formal proposal to document the development successes Sophie has fostered during her tenure. Consistent pressure on leadership remains the most effective path forward for our athletes.
Reached 100 supporters
April 13, 2017
43 Comments
If DCU truly care about the development of sport they should have no problem encouraging their employees to strive to represent their country at the highest level and as a result inspiring many students. If DCU truly care about the sporting interests of the student population they will not deny them the chance to learn from the best.
Can clearly see this will lead to the neglect of the women's side of the game in the college. A male development officer more than likely will be assigned and focus of the male dominant sport! Completely unfair and destroys confidence.
Sure DCU would be gaining a lot more by spence part taking in the World Cup and bringing that knowledge back to the college. If this can only be achieved through a part time contract it is totally worth it.
Sophie has done fantastic work with Rugby in DCU. The ladies won Div 2 the first year she was coaching and the following year they came to terms with playing in Div 1. This year they got to the semi finals of both divisions won the ladies 7s and I have no doubt with Sophie in charge top Div titles could be won by the college. It would be great to see that happening and DCU giving credit and recognition to Sophie and the players on their achievements.
I am a new member to the dcu ladies rugby. The experience I have had this year has been a nothing short of great. Sophie has been such a great coach, who motivates her players and encourages them. She's an asset to dcu and this team. It would a shame to lose her.
Ireland
Keep the awezome Sophie at DCU
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Sophie Spence is an Irish women's rugby player. She has been working in DCU as the rugby development officer for the last three years. She has developed rugby in DCU immensely during this time for both women and men. Before Sophie became the rugby development officer the girls team could hardly field a team in division two due to the lack of numbers. Now there is 2 women's teams (division 1 and 2). Both reached their respective semi finals this year. The men's teams are also striving. This is due to the excellent coaches and trials made available to us via Sophie's connections. Sophie is now facing not having her contract renewed. Losing Sophie Spence will be a great loss to DCU rugby and DCU sport.
Updates
April 14, 2017
The petition has now reached two hundred and fifty signatures. This level of engagement demonstrates the genuine impact Sophie Spence has made on the rugby program at DCU.
Reached 250 supporters
April 13, 2017
April 13, 2017
The administration remains silent regarding the status of this contract despite the evidence of growth within the rugby program. I am currently preparing a formal proposal to document the development successes Sophie has fostered during her tenure. Consistent pressure on leadership remains the most effective path forward for our athletes.
Reached 100 supporters
April 13, 2017
43 Comments
Considering the ladies Irish team have a fabulous chance to be a contender in the up upcoming world cup it is dissapointing to see one of the best colleges in Ireland not wishing to support their staff when it will obviously only enhance their reputation. I can't help but wonder if it was a male coach in question would it have the same problem in supporting them.
If DCU truly care about the development of sport they should have no problem encouraging their employees to strive to represent their country at the highest level and as a result inspiring many students. If DCU truly care about the sporting interests of the student population they will not deny them the chance to learn from the best.
Can clearly see this will lead to the neglect of the women's side of the game in the college. A male development officer more than likely will be assigned and focus of the male dominant sport! Completely unfair and destroys confidence.
Sure DCU would be gaining a lot more by spence part taking in the World Cup and bringing that knowledge back to the college. If this can only be achieved through a part time contract it is totally worth it.
Sophie has done fantastic work with Rugby in DCU. The ladies won Div 2 the first year she was coaching and the following year they came to terms with playing in Div 1. This year they got to the semi finals of both divisions won the ladies 7s and I have no doubt with Sophie in charge top Div titles could be won by the college. It would be great to see that happening and DCU giving credit and recognition to Sophie and the players on their achievements.
I am a new member to the dcu ladies rugby. The experience I have had this year has been a nothing short of great. Sophie has been such a great coach, who motivates her players and encourages them. She's an asset to dcu and this team. It would a shame to lose her.
Ireland
Keep the awezome Sophie at DCU
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Considering the ladies Irish team have a fabulous chance to be a contender in the up upcoming world cup it is dissapointing to see one of the best colleges in Ireland not wishing to support their staff when it will obviously only enhance their reputation. I can't help but wonder if it was a male coach in question would it have the same problem in supporting them.