The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its innovative State Secondary School Curriculum + Rugby Programme, aimed at embedding the love for rugby within state secondary schools across Fylde, Wyre, and Blackpool. This pioneering initiative is designed to create a sustainable rugby programme within local schools, providing boys and girls of all ages with pathways to local rugby clubs while nurturing a lifelong passion for this great sport.
This programme is made possible through the generous support of local businesses and personal sponsors, enabling The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation to offer a comprehensive, year-long rugby experience to participating schools, entirely free of charge for the full academic year.
Seneca Partners – Cardinal Allen Secondary School – Fleetwood
Ian Currie – Fleetwood High School – Fleetwood
Peter Worthington – Millfield High School – Thornton
Windmill Homes – Saint Bede’s High School – Fylde
Vicki Thompson – Junior Girls – Fylde
Myerscough College – Garstang Community Academy – Wyre
Giles Hough – Carr Hill High School – Fylde
Fylde Rugby Community Foundation – St Mary’s Academy – Blackpool
In addition to the schools mentioned above, The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation has developed a strong partnership with Lytham St Anne’s High (LSA) School for the past three years. The Curriculum + Rugby Programme was initially implemented at LSA, and they have since emerged as one of the leading schools for rugby in the area.
Key highlights of the State Secondary School Curriculum + Rugby Programme include:
- Curriculum Integration: Participating schools will benefit from a dedicated number of hours allocated to rugby within the curriculum and physical education (PE) lessons, allowing students to learn and enjoy rugby as a part of their academic experience.
- Year-Round After-School Rugby Training: In addition to curriculum hours, the programme offers after-school rugby training sessions throughout the year. These sessions provide students with valuable opportunities to hone their skills, improve fitness, and develop teamwork.
- Teacher Professional Development (CPD): The Foundation is committed to building sustainable rugby programmes within schools. As part of the initiative, teachers will receive specialised CPD sessions to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe and enjoyable rugby sessions. This empowers educators to become confident rugby coaches, enhancing the overall programme’s sustainability.
- Seamless Transition to Local Rugby Clubs: The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation collaborates closely with local rugby clubs, including Fylde RFC, Garstang RUFC, and Fleetwood RFC, to ensure a smooth transition for students who wish to continue their rugby journey beyond the school setting. This seamless pathway from school to club rugby promotes the growth of the sport at all levels.
Commenting on the launch of the programme, Phill Mills, Foundation Manager at the Fylde Rugby Community Foundation, said, “We are delighted to introduce the State Secondary School Curriculum + Rugby Programme to our local schools. Rugby is not just a sport; it’s a way of life that instils discipline, teamwork, and a sense of belonging. Through the support of our local community, we can provide this enriching experience to students, offering them a chance to discover and fall in love with rugby whilst providing a pathway to continuation in the sport through local rugby clubs.”
With a focus on inclusivity and accessibility, this initiative is particularly significant as it introduces the sport to children who may have never experienced it before. The Fylde Rugby Community Foundation is dedicated to developing a lifelong passion for rugby, contributing to the growth of the sport.
For more information about the State Secondary School Curriculum + Rugby Programme or to get involved as a sponsor, please contact Phill Mills at: community@fylderugbyfoundation.com or visit https://www.fylderugbyfoundation.com/curriculum-rugby/
