Eagles Foundation continues schools Rugby League delivery

16/11/2021

The Eagles Foundation is celebrating the milestone of coaching its 1500th participant as part of the schools coaching programme so far in 2021.

Since the Foundation re-commenced activities earlier this year, 1510 young people have received either tag rugby coaching in primary schools or have been introduced to Wheelchair Rugby League using the Foundation’s sports wheelchairs and the facilities at Sheffield Hallam University. The numbers are very welcome as Covid-19 restrictions lift in the city and young people can return to playing the sport.

In the most recent half term, Hartley Brook, Hatfield, Wybourn, Nethergreen and Acres Hill schools have received tag rugby coaching from Foundation coaches, with Hartley Brook and Hatfield progressing to the South Yorkshire School Games finals which took place at SHU Sports Park on Thursday 4th November. Additionally, Y12 students from Meadowhead School had an introductory session to Wheelchair Rugby League.

At the South Yorkshire School Games Finals, run in association with Yorkshire Sport Foundation and the South Yorkshire Schools Games team, Sitwell Junior School were victorious in the Primary School Tag Competition whilst Wickersley School & Sports College took home the trophy in the afternoon’s secondary school competition.

This half-term builds on two successful half-terms of delivery in the summer term which were supported by Sports Traider Charity, a charity which exists to give young people employment and sports participation opportunities to help them gain confidence, self-esteem, retail skills and improve their physical and mental health. The funding allowed the Foundation to kickstart activity after the hiatus caused by the global pandemic.

“Its great to see so many young people enjoying Rugby League and learning new skills in Sheffield schools” said Andrea Dobson, Eagles Foundation Delivery Officer. “It’s the start of something really exciting in the city of Sheffield as we build towards the Rugby League World Cup which takes place next year and we’re looking forward to growing the number of schools we are working with to continue to grow these numbers.”

Additionally, secondary schools activity has also been staged for Y7 to Y9 boys and girls, with three participation festivals being run for 9-aside activity to take place. Schools taking part included Meadowhead, Tapton, Mercia, Newfield, All Saints, King Edward VII, Westbourne, Notre Dame and Hinde House, giving older children the opportunity to enjoy playing Rugby League in a non-competitive environment.

For further information about the Eagles Foundation schools coaching packages, contact Andrea Dobson via andrea.dobson@eaglesfoundation.co.uk or 07960 135 699.