January 2009
Rival rugby captains tackle educational underachievement
Rugby
captains for England, Scotland and Wales are urging parents and
teachers to continue their support for young people struggling at
school.
“Every year thousands of kids struggle at school, leaving some
with little or no hope of gaining any qualifications. Sports such
as rugby are a great way to try and re-engage them back into
school,” says England’s rugby captain Steve Borthwick at the launch
of the fifth year of a joint initiative with RBS 6 Nations and The
Prince's Trust, using rugby to help underachieving pupils.
Rival captains, Scotland’s Mike Blair and Wales’ Ryan Jones,
joined forces with Borthwick to help underachieving pupils gain
qualifications and skills using the sport of rugby.
“Rugby is based on team values, respect and motivation, bringing
together individuals to create a winning team. In the same way,
this initiative will improve attendance, self-esteem and social
skills, helping young people move forward in their last two years
of compulsory education” Ryan Jones added.
The RBS 6 Nations with The Prince's Trust scheme offers 14 to16
year-olds who are at risk of truanting or under-achievement an
introduction to the game of rugby through multiple tag rugby
sessions, access to players and educational materials; as well as
coaching from union staff on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.
It will also provide advice on associated future careers to the
game, behind-the-scenes stadium tours and on-the-pitch involvement
on match days.
RBS 6 Nations with The Prince’s Trust is part of a long-term
partnership between The Royal Bank of Scotland Group and The
Trust.