Children at a West Midlands school have been given top class rugby coaching thanks to funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Pool Hayes Primary School in Willenhall was given £3,000 through Simon Foster’s Helping Communities Fund, which was used to give children coaching from RFU qualified coaches.
Willenhall Rotary Club applied for the funding and the sessions were held at the school during the last academic year, teaching pupils all about the game and how sport can play a positive role in development.
The Helping Communities Fund is a £400,000 pot created by the PCC to help community schemes which will in turn make their communities safer.
The money was used by the school to run rugby camps with RFU qualified coaches for children in the local area. The project uses the school facilities to engage young people and divert them from anti-social behaviour and other criminal activity with structured rugby-based activities.
The £3,000 was used to fund session costs and expenses for Willenhall Rugby Union Football Club and was spearheaded by local Rotary Club president Simon Rollason
Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster said: “My Helping Communities Fund has played a vital role here in helping youngsters channel their abilities and energies into sport and diverting them away from potential anti-social behaviour.
“The fund has seen £400,000 split between dozens of good causes across the West Midlands to run schemes, which will benefit the local area and in turn keep people safe. I am delighted that the rugby classes at Pool Hayes have been so well received.”
Mr Rollason added: “This is a fantastic opportunity for you people to develop core values promoted by rugby as they develop rather than negative behaviour.”
One Year 6 pupil who took part said: “Rugby is a ball sport and it is one of the most fun and physical games. This beautiful game helped me gain confidence and heart.”
A Year 5 pupil added: “I enjoy rugby because it is a fun game with good clubs and great leagues such as the Six Nations. Rugby gets you fit and strong. Your first try is amazing! Rugby will get harder as you go up in the years, adding new rules but they make it so fun.”
Back to News Archive