England Rugby and Premiership Rugby have joined forces with Project Rugby, a grassroots project designed to increase participation in under-represented communities.
Project Rugby will specifically engage Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic people, people from low socio-economic backgrounds and disabled people, aged 14-24 with rugby union.
An opportunity is available to roll this project out in communities within Cumbria, with support from Professional Rugby Team Newcastle Falcons who will provide professional level coaching, delivering an introduction to rugby whilst promoting regular exercise and healthy living.
The project’s innovative approach will utilise rugby’s core values to increase levels of resilience and confidence among participants, as well as helping people to feel more connected to their local community.
Steve Grainger, Rugby Development Director at the RFU said: “Offering opportunities for underrepresented groups to play the sport is a key goal for the RFU. We want to take the game into communities where rugby isn’t widely available and demonstrate not only how much fun the game is but the skills and benefits it brings a player – confidence, teamwork, resilience, and wellbeing to name a few.”
Deborah Earl, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities, Cumbria County Council said: “This opportunity is great for our communities in Cumbria, Project Rugby has had great success in reaching out to local ethnic and disabled groups, who are traditionally under-represented in sport. Rugby is a much loved sport within the County, and I am delighted to see that Newcastle Falcons and Project Rugby are reaching out to these groups.”
To express an interest in the programme, groups and individuals are asked to complete the form on: www.activecumbria.org/projectrugby