Five Leicestershire schools have put their rugby skills to the test at the Aggregate Industries Concrete Rugby Festival.
Marking the end of a six-week rugby programme organised in partnership with Leicester Tigers, pupils from Gartree High School in Oadby, Newbridge High in Coalville, Winstanley High in Braunstone, John Ferneley College in Melton Mowbray and Saint Martin’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Nuneaton went head-to-head in the touch rugby tournament.
The festival was held at Aggregate Industries’ Bardon Hill HQ.
This academic year has seen a total of 17 schools from across the Tigers region take part in the Concrete Rugby programme, which introduces rugby to pupils in Years 7-10.
Coaches teach youngsters a range of skills including handling, tackling and game-play before hosting a discussion on topics such as safety, exercise and well-being.
During this school year Concrete Rugby has tackled issues including bullying, cyber-bullying and cycle safety alongside encouraging youngsters to get involved in rugby.
Joe Reynolds, the Tigers rugby development officer who runs the Concrete Rugby programme, said: “This is the second year we have worked together with Aggregate Industries to run Concrete Rugby and we’re delighted to have supported 17 schools through the programme this year."
"The festival was a real success and it was great to see pupils from across the region put their newly-found skills to the test and really engage with rugby as a sport.”
Donna Hunt, head of sustainability at Aggregate Industries, added: “The Concrete Rugby initiative is an excellent way to encourage young people and provide them with the skills required to lead healthy and active lifestyles.
"We’re committed to supporting schools and communities in the areas in which we operate, and have really enjoyed getting out and delivering Concrete Rugby to so many of them this academic year.”
For further information about Concrete Rugby and how secondary schools can get involved during the next school year, visit the link below.
