Walker helping to inspire young stars
Bath Rugby star Jack Walker hosted an online question and answer event which brought together young grassroots rugby players from local clubs.
The event highlighted local rugby enthusiasts whose lives have been changed for the better through Project Rugby, a community programme aimed at keeping young people engaged with sport during lockdown.
Walker took part in a question and answer session, with questions fielded by young participants from a variety of local grassroots rugby clubs, including Walcot RFC, Bath RFC and Bath Old Edwardians.
Topics covered included his own journey into rugby and his career highlights, along with offering advice to the young players on how to improve their game.
The initiative forms part of Project Rugby, run in partnership with England Rugby and Gallagher, which is designed to increase participation in the game and champion rugby at the grassroots level as a truly inclusive sport.
The programme engages thousands of participants per year, and since launching in 2017, more than 50,000 young people have been introduced to rugby, through initiatives delivered in over 200 locations across the country. Walker was joined by two local players.
One of his guests was Todd Burge, captain of the Walcot Warriors, the South West’s first mixed ability rugby team. Burge has learning difficulties and faced many challenges in his young life.
He spoke about how he has not looked back since, having developed the confidence and skills to lead the Walcot Warriors and take part in professional coaching opportunities.
Joining Walker and Burge was Caitlin Roy, who plays for Bath Ladies Trojans, the UK’S first allfemale mixed ability team.
Although Roy found that her spinal condition and dyspraxia meant that she struggled to find opportunities to participate in the game while growing up, she spoke about how her involvement in mixed ability rugby through the Walcot Warriors, and eventually the Trojans, has enabled her to build her confidence and widen her circle of friends.
Bath Rugby’s involvement in Project Rugby forms part of the programme of initiatives delivered by the Bath Rugby Community Foundation, the charitable arm of the club.
As part of the Foundation’s commitment to empowering children and young people in Bath and the surrounding area to succeed, the club offers a range of programmes, geared towards addressing four key areas, health, education, employability and inclusion.
Walker said: “It was a pleasure to participate in the latest Project Rugby at Home session, and answer questions from so many of the local young rugby players who took part, as well as speaking about how my involvement in grassroots rugby has helped me to get where I am today.
“Having started playing rugby at the age of six, I know what an amazing impact the game can have on young people, in terms of boosting their mental, social and physical agility, and helping develop important skills such as teamwork, resilience and decision-making.
“It’s brilliant to see the impact Project Rugby is having in terms of challenging barriers to participation in the game, and engaging so many youth players at grassroots level - with a number of stars emerging, including Todd and Caitlin - which is helping transform young lives.”
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