The Northampton Saints community team is taking rugby to new schools throughout 2015/16 as part of Premiership Rugby’s Rugby4All programme.
Backed by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, in partnership with the Equality and Human Rights Commission, Rugby4All promotes diversity and equality in rugby, aiming to increase access to rugby to those communities who may not otherwise have ever considered playing the sport.
Last week saw Saints players Matti Williams and Teimana Harrison head to Rectory Farm Primary School for a Rugby4All session with Year 5 and 6 youngsters, and Rachel Hawthorn, the school’s PE lead, says that having the club involved gives a boost to those taking part.
“The programme is teaching them the values of teamwork and being aware of each other,” she said, “and it’s been good for the kids to work with coaches who are so passionate about the sport. The sessions have taken them out of their comfort zone, and it’s good for them to be challenged and try rugby for the first time.”
Saints community coach Charlotte Eggleton says that Rugby4All gives the club the opportunity to expand the game.
“Rugby is a sport for everyone and our delivery of Rugby4All is giving more the opportunity to play,” she said. “We’re working with youngsters who are new to rugby, so we have to keep sessions exciting and engaging to encourage them to take more interest in the sport. We’re working in a variety of schools across the county, which is enjoyable for me as a coach, too.”
The Saints can support your school throughout the curriculum, from English and maths to drama and sport, either through sessions delivered in-school or at the Saints Study Centre at Franklin’s Gardens. To see what’s on offer head to www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/education.
