Project Rugby – Workington Academy
Project Rugby is a joint initiative between Premiership Rugby and England Rugby, designed to increase participation in the game between people from traditionally under-represented groups. Rugby is a sport for everyone no matter what their background or ability, and has a unique propensity to change lives, bringing increased self-confidence, resilience and improving wellbeing.
This half-term Falcons Community have been working with Workington Academy, delivering three classes during lessons and after-school clubs.
This project ended with a Year 9 team taking on Ullswater Community College at Penrith Rugby Club, and despite being a windy evening, both sides demonstrated very strong defensive skills and first-class action which led to plenty of tries.
Falcons Community have worked with Workington Academy for the last three years, with several pupils joining Workington Rugby Club and a handful being invited to join Cumbria Developing Player Programme (DPP).
“I have really enjoyed the way everything is game-based, and this has made it fun as well as hard. I have improved my fitness as well as my rugby skills and have had the opportunity to play with better players, which has improved my game.” (Dayton Mc, Workington Academy Student).
“DPP has been a really good experience and being part of it has definitely improved my rugby skills. I have enjoyed training with under 16s as it has been challenging, but overall made me a better rugby player.” (Gareth N, Workington Academy Student).
“Project Rugby has been hugely successful this academic year in terms of raising the profile of rugby union within our school, increasing participation and improving the success of our teams. Further to this, it has provided a pathway for some of our more talented boys to progress to DPP. They have thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity to train and play at a better level of rugby, and meet and mix with boys from other schools and clubs.” (Malcolm Holliday, Workington Academy Teacher).
