40 students from schools around Coventry participated in a Project Rugby X7s festival, hosted by Pinley RFC to mark the end of the first half term. The festival aimed to celebrate the hard work and effort of the students who have been participating at in-school Project Rugby sessions provided by Wasps coaches.
Project Rugby is a programme supported nationally by Gallagher and the RFU and aims to encourage participation of students aged 14+ who come from typically under-represented groups in the sport (Diverse Ethnic Communities and Low Socio-Economic Groups), and Disability Groups.
Julius Hunt, Wasps Community Coach said: “Providing the opportunity for under-represented groups to get involved in rugby is hugely important to us.
“This half-term has allowed us to support and develop young players through engaging them in rugby, something that is totally new to them. To encourage the transition of the participants into rugby clubs not only supports the aim of Project Rugby, but also broadens the future opportunities for them as individuals.
This event has provided a chance for the students to get out to a local grassroots club, where a number of them have now joined and will continue on their rugby journey away from school and the Project Rugby sessions.”.
The festival welcomed schools from Coventry and provided a competitive opportunity in which the players could express themselves on the field, all under the watchful eye of a couple of Wasps stars. The teams were joined on the day by Wasps’ Nizaam Carr and Paolo Odogwu, who offered coaching to the teams, answered lots of great questions and gave plenty of fantastic advice throughout the event.
Nizaam Carr was impressed with the rugby on show, he said: “There were some really talented players taking part today. It’s great to see them get a run out and enjoy themselves. Days like this are invaluable and are a great opportunity to get more players from a range of backgrounds involved in the sport!”.
