Falcons Community successfully transitions student to local grassroots club.
Project Rugby is a programme ran by Falcons Community, supported by Premiership Rugby and England Rugby. It is designed to increase participation in the game between people from traditionally underrepresented groups, highlighting rugby is a sport for everyone and has a unique ability to change lives.
Project Rugby has engaged with over 75,000 young people since the programme began, deluging sessions at more than 200 locations across England.
Zane Hussain was first introduced to Falcons Community’s Project Rugby activity hubs by his school PE teacher at St Mary’s Catholic School, who encouraged him to trial the sport. Zane had not even heard of rugby prior to the activity hubs, and now plays consistently for Novocastrians RFC U15s squad.
Falcons Community was delighted to see Zane, along with over 35 students from local schools including Jesmond Park Academy, Longbenton and Walker Riverside Academy, join in the weekly sessions off their own back.
Zane Hussain credits the Project Rugby activity hub sessions for helping increase his confidence, as well as the sport helping him feel fitter and stronger week on week.
“The Project Rugby sessions have massively improved my confidence. I have met new friends and really enjoyed my experience with Novocastrians RFC. My U15 coach, Gareth Bowdon, has been very welcoming and loved the club atmosphere.”
Falcons Community’s Senior Development Officer, Chris Ure, stated: “I have been really impressed with Zane’s ability to pick up rugby so quickly. It was an entirely new sport to him. During the activity hubs, it was fantastic seeing more experienced kids coaching less experienced. The activity hubs really demonstrated that it is not just about playing the game but forming friendships and creating memories. “
For more information about Project Rugby, please visit **[www.projectrugby.co.uk][1]** or email **falconscommunity@newcastle-falcons.co.uk**
[1]: http://www.projectrugby.co.uk
