Pupils given rugby class by Tigers
PUPILS at a school in Stoke Golding have been given a masterclass in rugby by representatives from Leicester Tigers.
St Martin’s School is one of the first in the region to benefit from a community programme launched by the Tigers and Leicestershire-based construction firm Aggregate Industries.
The scheme, called Concrete Rugby, aims to promote healthy lifestyles, teamwork and self-confidence in young people.
Girls from year seven and eight took part in various training sessions with Leicester Tigers staff and were taught how to play touch and contact rugby over a five week period.
They went on to compete at an allgirls tournament, as well as a school competition, where the A team man- aged to scoop second place.
Deborah Murphy, head of girls PE at St Martin’s, said: “The course was very well structured, fun and appropriately pitched. The girls all really enjoyed rolling around in the mud and working with each other to develop new skills while having fun.
“The sessions were delivered professionally. I would like to thank both Aggregate Industries and Leicester Tigers for giving some of our students such a wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable opportunity to learn a new sport this term.”
The programme also included desk-based learning in the classroom where they discussed a wide range of issues facing the youth of today, from healthy eating, drugs, road safety, how to be safe online, and the dangers of peer pressure.
Donna Hunt, head of sustainability at Aggregate Industries, said: “We’re glad the pupils at St Martin’s were able to benefit from our programme and it has given them the desire to carry on playing rugby.
“Concrete Rugby is all about educating young people about the benefit of adopting an active lifestyle, by giving them the chance to experience a new sport and learn new skills. We in turn hope this spreads the ethos of teamwork, respect, discipline and sportsmanship.”
For further information about the Concrete Rugby initiative, visit: www. aggregate.com