ALL rugby clubs in Coventry and Warwickshire are being invited to consult on plans to introduce a major rugby development programme.
Plans have been drawn-up between key sporting bodies over the last 12 months to deliver Engage – a new sports initiative designed to give every child in Coventry access to high-quality rugby skills coaching.
Engage will bring local clubs, schools and sports groups together to use the core values of the game to develop the skills, talents and attitudes of young people across the city.
Details of the project centre on using the core values of the game including teamwork, integrity, respect, discipline and enjoyment to implement five key objectives to improve the overall wellbeing, and prospects of children and young people.
Paul Breed, CEO of Coventry Sports Foundation (CSF) which is spearheading the project, said: “Coventry and Warwickshire has such a rich rugby heritage and we want every child in Coventry, and then hopefully Warwickshire, to have the opportunity to play rugby and fall in love with the spirit of the game.
“Not only is it a fantastic way to improve physical wellbeing and fitness, the core values taught in rugby can also be taken off the pitch and have a real impact on everyday lives.
“The arrival of Wasps in the city also means that youngsters now have an even greater opportunity to progress along a performance pathway that starts at grassroots level and extends all the way to elite level.”
Core funding for the project, which will begin in Coventry and extend to Warwickshire, has come from a group of private donors led by former Coventry Rugby Club player Chris Millerchip.
This will complement the existing support for the Foundation’s community development from other charitable and business supporters.
Consultation on the project, which is backed by key figures in the sport including England’s head coach Stuart Lancaster, is expected to last until the New Year with plans to officially launch the programme in the first quarter of 2015.
CSF is looking to work with clubs of all levels on the new initiative and is hosting a consultation event at Xcel Leisure Centre in Mitchell Avenue December 4 between 7-8.30pm for clubs to share their views.
