Coaches put youngsters through paces at two-day rugby festival

MORE than 200 children from around Henley took part in a two-day rugby festival.

Pupils from Valley Road, Badgemore, Shiplake, Nettlebed, Sacred Heart and Trinity primary schools were hosted by Henley Rugby Football Club on November 16 and 30.

Nettlebed Community School and Sacred Heart attended the first day where Years 1, 2 and 3 were hosted by Performance Sports coaches as part of the player outreach programme which has been taking place throughout the autumn term.

The event was held on the club’s artificial grass pitch and the children were split into four groups to undergo different warm-up games followed by tag rugby matches after a lunch break.

As there are two times as many Year 3 children than Year 2 at Nettlebed school, the Year 3 pupils from both schools on Wednesday last week were mixed and when they had to partner up, they were asked to work with someone from the opposite school.

Jack Stainsby, a part-time Nettlebed Year 3 teacher, said: “I really like how the two schools have been working together so much.

“There’s no sense of there being two different schools, it’s just children having fun together.”

Deborah Artherton, the Year 3 teacher from Sacred Heart, said: “This event is great amd we’ve had a lovely time.

“The kids are out of the classroom doing something different.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to try something new and at the same time they are meeting other schools and playing as a team.”

Chris Ellison, head coach from Performance Sports, said: “This is a wonderful programme, introducing tag rugby skills to local schoolchildren in their primary school settings. As you can see from all the smiles on the children’s faces, they are absolutely loving it. The opportunity to visit the club and take advantage of the wonderful facilities on offer is very special.

“Both these festivals give the children a chance to show off their skills in a relaxing, fun and rewarding environment for all.

“Henley Rugby Club recently won the Rugby Football Union national award for mini and junior delivery. The PROP programme is an important part of this community work, building the club links for boys and girls to continue their rugby after school.”

Mr Ellison said there is room for more schools to take part in future events and encouraged teachers to get involved with the programme.

For further details on the schools delivery and festivals contact Chris Ellison on chris@performance-sports.org.uk and for details of Henley Rugby Club mini and junior section contact Rick Oakley on rick.oakley@henleyrfc.co.uk

• HENLEY Rugby Club and The Performance Sports Group are running a Christmas fun festive tag rugby morning on Friday, December 23 from 8.30am to 12.30pm for children in school Years 1, 2 and 3. For further details contact chris@performance-sports.org.uk