Rugby coach Lucy tackles fundraising mission
RUGBY Union coach Lucy Stewart is raising funds to ‘tackle’ a charity tour of Africa.
The 17-year-old from Benderloch needs £6,000 to fund the five-month expedition which starts in January and will take her through nine countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa.
During the trip Lucy, a modern apprentice for Scottish Rugby Union based at Oban High School, will visit school fields and dusty backyards in remote communities to pass on her passion for the sport.
‘Some children will already have played rugby at school, others will never have even seen a rugby ball. What’s important is that every child gets the same opportunity and same sessions. It’s also about trying to work with their coaches and help them be better at what they do.’
Lucy, who coaches at primary schools around Oban as part of her apprenticeship, will be travelling to Africa with the Bhubesi Pride Foundation.
‘I heard a presentation the charity did about their education work and I knew straight away it was something I wanted to do. I can’t wait to go; I wish I was going sooner.’
To fund the trip she needs £6,000 and has set up a Gofundme page at www.gofundme.com/lucysvolunteeringinafrica.
Lucy, who is sending out letters to businesses hoping for sponsorship, is also organising a curry and quiz night on Saturday March 24 Benderloch’s Victory Hall and a race night in May at the rugby club in Oban.
The teenager, who is thinking about a career in teaching, started playing rugby when she was 14 at school after friends persuaded her to give it a ‘try’ and she now plays in the Oban Lorn Ladies team.