Primary school youngsters enjoy weekly rugby training sessions

Pupils from Holy Cross Church of England Primary School have been enjoying weekly rugby training sessions through a West Norfolk Rugby Club initiative.The sessions are free for the school and aimed at encouraging girls into the sport.As well as the weekly sessions with James Burroughs, pupils from years 3-6 have also taken part in a training session with Great Britain rugby sevens player Georgie Lingham and Ellen Collison, the youth girls’ head coach at West Norfolk Rugby Club.Pupils were delighted to hear from Georgie in a question-and-answer session following their training, where Georgie gave the children certificates and donated a signed shirt to the primary school.Mrs Zeil, Headteacher at Holy Cross Church of England Primary School, part of The Diocese of Ely Multi Academy Trust (DEMAT), said: “The series of rugby sessions have given the children the opportunity to be taught by specialised coaches.”It has inspired some of our girls particularly, to go and explore the opportunities available to them at the West Norfolk Rugby Club.”Having Georgie visit was the pinnacle of these sessions – and gave the children a first hand experience of something they could aspire to.”One pupil said: “The sessions were really fun; we learnt a lot about working as a team. It was fun to ask questions to Georgie and hear about her training.”Another added: “It was really fun learning to use the tackle bags and was interesting to hear from Georgie about professional rugby and how as a child she was playing football and didn’t start playing rugby until she was 21.”