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As part of its Community Rugby Programme, Verwood RUFC is working in
partnership with Hillside First School to introduce Tag Rugby to the 7-9
year groups. This is a safe, non-contactversion of the game which concentrates
on ball handling and running skills. Dave Hockaday of Verwood RUFC co-ordinated
this initiative. He said, “I’m very pleased to be working with
Hillside. As a club we are conscious that the amount of sport played
by children in Primary Schools each week has dropped off and that the budget
for sports equipment is very limited. We have been assisted with funding
from the Keith Hesketh Memorial Fund to deliver our initiative. We want
to deliver coaching to schools in Verwood and give children the chance
to experience the fun and excitement of rugby and competition.”
Dan Brown, the Rugby Football Union Rugby Development Officer for Dorset added “ We have adopted Tag Rugby as the official introduction of the sport to young children between the ages of 7 and 11. Tag Rugby eliminates body contact, which makes it particularly suitable for learning and developing skills. We are always pleased to work with Verwood RUFC who are showing their commitment to developing the game in Verwood with this programme. The mini players of today are the internationals of the future, so it is essential that we provide them with all the support and encouragement we possibly can. The Tag Rugby Equipment was provided under the Ford Tag initiative which includes tags, balls, a law book, a video and a bag to put it all in.”
Ken Banks, Chairman of Verwood RUFC said, “ We are developing an active programme of school development work which we hope will lead to the development of a junior section of our Club. If anyone is interested in assisting or taking part in this please contact me on 01202 826858”.
28 youngster took part in the sessions. District Councillor Geoff Humphreys
presented certificates to each of the children who completed Verwood RUFC’s
course. Also present were David Hockaday, Ken Banks, Andrew Hoggins, Bob
Burr & Neil Scarisbrick of Verwood RUFC.