The first primary schools in Worcestershire to become involved in the new EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme have been announced.
Worcester Warriors will work with pupils from the following schools over the next few weeks as part of the national programme.
- Gorse Hill Primary School
- Perdiswell Primary School
- Warndon Junior School
- Lyppard Grange Primary School
- Cranham Primary School
- Pitmaston Primary School
- Perry Wood Primary School
- St. Clement’s C of E School
The scheme is set to introduce close to 100,000 children to tag rugby over the next three years. More schools in the county will be announced in the coming weeks
Worcestershire is one of the first parts of the country to benefit following the three-year deal which sees EDF Energy become Premier Rugby’s Community Partner and sponsor of the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme
One local school from will also go on to take part in a tag rugby demonstration at the EDF Energy Cup Final at Twickenham on Sunday, April 15
“We’re delighted to be involved in the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme,” says Warriors captain Pat Sanderson. “This is about getting children excited and involved in a great sport, and producing the future players and fans of the game.
“Tens of thousands of children are going to be introduced to rugby in a fun and safe way and Warriors will be playing a big part in helping to make that happen.”
The programme is one of the most comprehensive in world rugby and will involve close to 100,000 nine to 10-year-old boys and girls, along with teachers at primary schools across England. Schools where rugby has never been played before will be targeted.
“We’re delighted to be one of the first schools to take part in the new EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme,” says Sian Williams, headteacher at Lyppard Grange Primary School. “We all need to encourage children to get active and take part in sport, and tag rugby’s a great way to do that.”
Tag rugby is a non-contact version of the sport that teaches the skills necessary to go on and play rugby union. The programme will also ensure that teachers receive quality coaching and provide enough equipment to leave a rugby legacy in schools for years to come.
“We’re really excited about the new programme and becoming Premier Rugby’s Community Partner,” says Louise Poole, EDF Energy’s Head of Brand. “We’re committed to rugby at all levels from the EDF Energy Cup to the grassroots and want to make sure our involvement leaves a lasting legacy for hundreds of schools and tens of thousands of children.
“This is about getting children involved in rugby and making sure as many schools as possible have the teachers trained to coach and the right equipment to play the game for years to come.”
Premiership players will also be involved, visiting schools, helping with the coaching and awarding certificates. Schools will also play in regional tag rugby festivals
New schools will be introduced at the start of every term and half-term from now through to the end of the 2009 school year, with coaching blocks running for about six weeks.
Some schools will go on to take part in tag rugby demonstrations at the EDF Energy Cup semi-finals and final each year. Seventeen schools from across the country are set to take part at this year’s final at Twickenham on Sunday, April 15.
“This programme will reach out to nearly 100,000 children over its three years and will be supported by high-profile players like Pat Sanderson,” adds Premier Rugby’s Community Manager, Wayne Morris. “In fact, on average, a Premiership player will visit a school every day of the three-year programme.”