Schools Rugby Benefitting from Local Links
England Rugby are piloting an initiative to support community clubs and state secondaries wanting to grow their involvement in the game.
The current pilot focuses on schools who already play rugby and is working in collaboration with local organisations and groups to introduce part-time rugby coordinators who will help develop schools’ links with rugby clubs and other partner organisations, train school staff, and grow competitive playing opportunities.
United Learning, a Multi-Academy Trust with over 80 primary and secondary schools, with the support of the RFU, have employed two rugby specialists, each working within a cluster of 10 secondary schools to grow and develop rugby and link to local clubs.
Said Shaun Dowling, their Head of Sport “We already had a number of schools who had rugby experience but the support from the specialists has been fantastic. We have already seen an increase in the number of students who are engaged on a weekly basis, as well as an increase in the confidence and competence of staff through the CPD being provided. This approach is really innovative and is a genuine collaboration which we can really see making a difference across our schools”
Acti-Fit, a Midlands based organisation working with schools, supported by the RFU, has introduced a day-a-week rugby coordinator now working with schools in the Birmingham area, to co-ordinate playing opportunities between local schools, with links to clubs and signposting for training opportunities for teachers.
Said Alex White, ActiFit director, “We are passionate about sport development and in particular rugby union and we’re looking forward to working with schools to help grow the game.
Said Chris Sigsworth, RFU Schools and Colleges manager: “In this pilot year, the RFU are already working with a number of different organisations, such as Academy Trusts, Schools Unions, third party providers and schools who already have a rugby programme.
“Local coordinators will help schools to develop their rugby and link to their local clubs. This pilot is the start of ultimately supporting over a thousand secondary schools by using local people in local networks to benefit pupils, schools, and their nearby rugby clubs ”
Those currently involved include : United Learning & Cabot Learning Federation; Northumberland & Essex County Schools Unions; White Rose Rugby; Lions Sports Academy and Acti-Fit and Trinity School Croydon.
