February 2010
Tag Festival
On 11th February 12 xl clubs from across
London travelled to The University of Westminster Sports Ground to
take part in the 2010 RBS Six Nations Tag Rugby Festival, the
culmination of the RBS 6 Nations with The Prince's Trust
initiative.
Through multiple tag rugby sessions, access to players and
educational materials the intiaitive seeks to teach 14 -16 year
olds at risk of truanting or under-achievement some key skills
they need to move forward in life: teamwork, communication and
leadership skills. The initiative also provides advice on
associated future careers in the game and behind-the-scenes stadium
tours.
Commenting on the initiaitve England Captain Steve Borthwick
says:
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.
Ryan Jones, Wales captain, added:
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.
The winner of the tag rugby tournament, St Augustine’s. and the
winnners of the fair play award, Chace Community School, have been
invited to play an exhibition match on the ptich before the England
v Ireland Six Nation game on Saturday, 27th February. The teams
will also be given the chance to form the guard of honour as the
England and Ireland teams take to the pitch.
Rugby has shown me how to communicate with
others better and I now know the meaning of teamwork. Before The
Prince's Trust xl and rugby programme, I was in and out of trouble,
fighting, being excluded and I had no focus in my life. Now, it's a
different story and I'm doing much better at school and jumping at
the chance to play rugby at every opportunity. Rugby has helped me
calm down and make more friends - I love it.
- Jaimie Brogan, 15
Supported by the RBS
Group, the initiative is now in its sixth year and thanks to
the expertise of the RFU Community Team, has helped over 1,000
young people to date.