New project sees rugby taken into West Norfolk schools

A brand new project is in full swing thanks to the Health and Wellbeing Partnership from West Norfolk Council.The partnership has approved an application from West Norfolk Rugby Club and funded the club to deliver rugby sessions to schools across West Norfolk.This supports some of the Health and Wellbeing Partnerships key priorities of engagement, collaboration, and addressing health and wellbeing inequalities.West Norfolk Rugby Club had a clear ambition for what they wanted to deliver and the outcomes they wanted to achieve from the programme.The programme was designed to deliver these rugby-specific coaching sessions in schools that wouldn’t usually have the opportunity.This Autumn term the sessions were delivered at Denver VC Primary School and Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School.Across the two schools, the programme has seen more than 140 children participate in rugby during these sessions, which has been an outstanding start to the project. Ellen Collison, West Norfolk girls’ lead coach, said: “Our schools’ rugby development programme has been a transformative experience for the children. “It’s incredible to see how they started shy but have grown into confident players who truly enjoy the game.”This journey builds their rugby skills and fosters teamwork and self-esteem, shaping them both on and off the field.”The children have taken a lot away from the sessions, and WNRC has received thank-you cards and messages of appreciation from them. They noted that they enjoyed the tackling and learning how to pass and play matches! One young girl said she ‘loved playing rugby’ and that she ‘never knew rugby was my sport.’Mr Daniel Farthing, headteacher at Fairstead Community Primary and Nursery School, said: “Taking part in the West Norfolk Rugby Clubs development programme over the last seven weeks has been a fantastic experience for our children in Years 5 and 6. “They have experienced a high level of coaching in each session. Their engagement, fitness and skills have developed so much and their enjoyment and love for a new sport has been identified at an earlier stage.”This is evident from the smiles on their faces, their anticipation of the next week’s lesson and children joining West Norfolk Rugby Club outside of school. A great experience for all involved.” Becky Gillick, locality development officer from Active Norfolk, has helped to set up and deliver the funding for the project alongside James Burroughs from WNRC and they both have been so pleased with the participation figures so far.Gillick said: “It is great to see so many children enjoying playing, learning and having fun whilst taking part in rugby.”There were a lot of smiles on faces, and you could see the coaches had built up a great rapport with the children.”There was a real buzz around the sessions and the WNRC coaches made sure what they were delivering was fun and exciting for all the children. “The coaches were fantastic role models, particularly for the young girls, with even an appearance from Georgie Lingham, Great Britain’s Rugby 7s star.”Also to know there is now a pathway in place for those children wanting to pursue their rugby skills is brilliant.”Children and their families now know the sport and the opportunity to attend the rugby club outside of school time.”This wouldn’t have been possible without James’ ambition to deliver this programme and support those that wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in rugby.”Going into the next school terms, West Norfolk Rugby Club hopes to reach a further nine schools across West Norfolk and deliver these enriching rugby sessions to pupils within Years 5 and 6.The year will be rounded off with a school rugby tournament held at WNRC in the summer months.