Clubs & Schools Unite to Grow Youth Rugby
Four clubs in our area have started the NLDRFU Schools-Links initiative… coaching children in 19 schools to promote rugby and recruit new players into their teams.
Keyworth were the first to start in local primary schools during May and June, while Scunthorpe, Glossop and Melbourne launched their projects in school this September. The feedback from schools and clubs has been very positive so far, with almost 2000 children playing rugby, many for the first time. Clubs have also reported boys and girls joining their clubs because of their work.
The NLDRFU programme, supported by The Sir Anthony Wharton Trust ‘match funds’ clubs who employ coaches to coach children in schools and also provide development for schools staff so they can be confident to coach rugby in their schools. We pay 50% of the club’s costs.
Steve Heath-Drury at Scunthorpe tells us that ‘We have had good feedback with many asking where, when, how to join’. ‘A competitive fixture between the 2 senior schools is being organised for a curtain raiser prior to Scunthorpe’s National 2 game v Billingham in November allowing them to showcase their talents and inviting representatives from the school for a pre match meal where they can share their experiences of the programme so far.’
Kevin Price at Keyworth worked with Lions Sports Academy to deliver lessons in local primary schools during the summer and told us that while there was interest from the Year 5 and Year 6 children, they also recruited younger children from those schools who wanted to get involved in rugby. They hosted fun activities at their club to encourage children to come to their club.
Melbourne have just started their programme of non-contact rugby lessons for almost 1000 children in 7 local schools. In addition, they are using the Women’s World Cup and rugby’s core values (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) as a PSHE theme in assemblies. These presentations have identified what makes rugby different and also gives them the opportunity to promote the idea of joining their club. They also ran an evening event for 100 Girl Guides and Brownies. They are hosting a World Cup activity day for girls on 5th October, as a recruitment opportunity.
Glossop RFC have just started their programme and they will be reporting on their progress soon.
The NLDRFU would like to extend this project to other clubs throughout the three counties this season. Tim Wilbraham, of the NLD Age Grade Team will welcome enquiries via [email protected] . He will also be hosting a forum in November to share details of the programme and advise clubs of the best ways to establish links with schools. Coaches from clubs who have already established Schools-Links programmes will also be on hand to share their experiences. Details of the forum will be released very soon.