Alfie aims to keep spreading the importance of rugby to Oasis students
AI want to continue to give rugby opportunities to students who traditionally wouldn’t engage
LFIE Cunningham has set his sights on continuing to spread the rugby gospel after helping the sport make an impact at a Brislington school.
Cunningham, head of PE at Oasis Academy, has credited Project Rugby - which has seen more than 100,000 people participate since 2017 - with improving behaviour within those who have taken part and creating a culture where students aspire to be in the rugby team.
Students wear Project Rugby t-shirts to PE lessons and school uniform hoodies with ‘Rugby Player’ printed on the back, helping raise the profile of the sport within the academy.
Opportunities are offered based on behaviour, attendance and performance in class, which has helped develop positive behaviours and inspire students to improve their lives both academically and physically.
Cunningham gives up his free time to help students find ways into local grassroots rugby clubs and is being recognised for his efforts as part of Community Weekend in Round 14 of Gallagher Premiership Rugby (March 29-31).
He said: “I plan to continue developing girls’ and boys’ rugby at Oasis Academy Brislington.
“I’m working on growing the inter-school programme I’ve set up and, ultimately, I want to continue to give rugby opportunities to students who traditionally wouldn’t engage.”
Over Community Weekend, all games will be dedicated to the award-winning community programmes run by Premiership Rugby in collaboration with its shareholder clubs and club foundations, such as Project Rugby. Delivered in partnership with Gallagher, title sponsor of Premiership Rugby, and the RFU, the programme is designed to introduce as many people as possible to the benefits of rugby, with a specific focus on engaging participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, no matter their background or ability.
Wayne Morris, community & CSR director for Premiership Rugby, said: “The success of our Project Rugby programme in schools is thanks to people like Alfie. It is vital we open up opportunities for young people to experience a sport they would otherwise never have considered.”
Andy Ferguson, managing director of title partner Gallagher’s Bristol branch, added: “It is brilliant Alfie recognised the impact it can make on a school community and the positive behaviours it can instil. Alfie’s determination and commitment to continue delivering opportunities for students to play rugby is to be commended. Through his
work he has demonstrated the power of rugby and the rewards that come with playing this great sport.”
To find your nearest Project Rugby session visit: www.premiershiprugby.com/community/project-rugby