EDF Energy are a major player in the world of rugby union sponsorship these days, amongst their various commitments, they proudly sponsor a National Schools Rugby Programmes for each Guinness Premiership club.  

THE EDF ENERGY NATIONAL SCHOOLS RUGBY PROGRAMME & THE WOODEN SPOON MASCOTS CHALLENGE

In Bristol, we currently deliver six week, fully funded tag rugby programmes to Year 5 & 6 pupils in 30 primary schools per season.  After the six week programme, the schools compete in a festival of tag against the other schools who have completed the programme in that term.

Each school receive a resource pack as a point of reference, which is full of helpful pointers on everything from rules and tactics, to how to construct and deliver an effective tag rugby training session. 

Each school gets the opportunity at attend a teacher education day where members of staff can hone their delivery skills.  Each school also receives 4 exclusive, fully branded rugby balls and a set of branded tags for the schools to continue the good work.  They also get to experience a Memorial Stadium crowd, by parading with their schools mates before a Bristol Rugby home fixture.

If that wasn't enough, one school (the winner of the Champions of Champions festival playoff) gets the opportunity to represent Bristol Rugby by playing against another Guinness Premiership Rugby team on the hallowed turf of Twickenham during half time of the EDF Energy Cup Final!!! 

Speaking from personal experience, last season's representatives, Filton Hill Primary, had the day of their lives by beating Bath Rugby 6-5 during last season’s EDF final.  It was a truly amazing day enjoyed as much by the parents of the children, Community department and school staff as it was the children themselves.

ALLOCATION

When it comes to allocation, I attempt to geographically rotate all of my National Schools Rugby Programmes throughout Bristol City, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire Councils in order to keep some of the people happy all of the time. 

Bath and North East Somerset Council has not been ignored, we (at Bristol Rugby) have come to an understanding with Bath Rugby, they can use their allocation in B&NES as we in Bristol have more than enough on our plate without spreading our allocation over the top of Bath’s as well. 

Without going head long into a speech on regional delivery strategy, co-ordinated delivery between Premiership Rugby clubs, the local councils and the RFU makes up an essential part of our responsibility and is essential in attaining the maximum coverage given the always limited resources we receive.  

I always consult the relevant local Partnership Development Managers (people I charge of their regional sports delivery strategy) at the councils in order to not only receive accurate and concentrated allocation.

COURSE CONTENT

In week one, we evaluate the hand skills of the children, many of which have had little or no exposure to rugby what so ever and play small sided games to establish a rapport.  In week two, we then look at how to accurately pass and catch a rugby ball (a vastly underrated skills amongst most rugby players!)

Week three is S.A.Q.; week four looks at defence; week five attack and games with the last week being dedicated to preparation for the tag festival itself.

The EDF Energy NSRP is a fantastic programme that has been wonderfully received and participated in by 16 primary schools throughout the Bristol area in the 06/07 season and 30 primary schools in the 07/08 season.

GET YOUR SCHOOL INVOLVED!

If you think your primary school could benefit from this programme, please feel free to contact me or your respective Partnership Development Manager at your council as (in our experience) it is the schools that commit totally to the programme, that get the most out of it.

EDF Energy Tag Rugby Programme Feedback.

By Jo Yates.  Primary Link Teacher:  St Chad's Primary School, Patchway, Bristol.

The course offered by Bristol Rugby was very successful within the school.  The year 6 class (28 pupils) received the coaching over six sessions.  The information about the programme beforehand was excellent, as was communication with Ben Breeze. 

The sessions took place on a Wednesday afternoon with Ben Breeze and Simon Hunt.  They were always punctual and when one could not attend, another qualified coach took their place.  Their relationship with the children was friendly yet professional. 

The children looked forward to the sessions and had a great deal of respect for the coaches.  It was an excellent opportunity for the children to learn from professionals. 

I am the Primary Link Teacher for PE in the school and place a high emphasis on sport.  Providing the children with professional coaches to promote sports is a high priority.  Ben and Simon ensured that what the children had already been taught was built on as Tag Rugby is part of the year 6 curriculum. 

Children were given the opportunity to develop their skills and both Ben and Simon were supportive and encouraging.  At no time did any child feel left out of the session. After each session, Ben and Simon would provide feedback on the performance of individuals which was extremely valuable for assessment purposes.

The children were fully engaged throughout the experience.  Children who were normally unenthusiastic about sport were keen to take part.  When the tournament was discussed, many children expressed an interest in taking part.  It really brought the class together. 

The children who were selected for the tournament team asked if they could do additional training at lunchtimes.  Children brought in DVDs from the 2003 Rugby World Cup to watch at break and lunchtimes. 

Having Ben and Simon come into school certainly supported the rugby aspect of the curriculum.  It served to raise the profile of the game and as a result, 3 children including one girl enquired about joining local teams.

Feedback from one of our schools

(c) Bristol Rugby

The tournament was a huge success.  The organisation was excellent and staff, children and parents enjoyed the event.  I think it is important that children have the opportunity to take part in competitive tournaments and this was one the best I have attended.

I sincerely hope that there are opportunities in the future for similar programmes for primary school children.

Yours,

Joanne Yates.

The EDF Energy NSRP run in association with the National Sports Foundation