Ambassador programme for Milton Keynes schools launched for 2015 Rugby ...

Young Rugby Ambassadors launch – stadiummk, milton keynesPete Winkelman speaking at Young Rugby Ambassador Conference at stadiummk

PUPILS at schools in Milton Keynes have the chance to be ambassadors for Rugby World Cup 2015 following the launch of the School Rugby Ambassador programme.

The programme, which is being delivered in partnership with the Rugby Football Union and the Youth Sport Trust, encourages young people aged 14-18 to become School Rugby Ambassadors and organise activities that encourage their peers to play the game and build excitement for Rugby World Cup 2015. Following an initial application process which was open to Youth Sport Trust Secondary Members, 14 schools were selected in or near Rugby World Cup 2015 Host Cities to encourage other schools to become involved and linking up with local primary schools, with the aim of them forming a network of School Rugby Ambassadors for that city. Shenley Brook End School was chosen for Milton Keynes and the programme is now open to all secondary schools in the city. They can register their interest by visiting:

http://www.youthsporttrust.org/how-we-can-help/rugby-world-cup-2015/school-rugby-ambassadors.aspx

Cllr Hannah O’Neill, Deputy Leader of Milton Keynes Council said “Rugby World Cup 2015 coming to Milton Keynes is a fantastic opportunity to see one of the world largest sporting events on our doorstep. The School Rugby Ambassador programme gives pupils / students the chance to really feel part of it. They can encourage friends and family to get excited about Rugby World Cup and also to give rugby a try. There is nothing better than keeping fit and healthy by playing sport with friends.”

Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “Through this partnership with the RFU and Youth Sports Trust we are engaging young people in RWC 2015 and helping to spread the excitement around (insert city name) and the rest of the country as we head towards the Tournament. We want young people to play an important role in welcoming the world to this proud Rugby nation and this initiative will give an excellent opportunity for fans, players and visitors to interact with schools and the local community.”

Chief Executive of the Youth Sport Trust, John Steele, said: “It is fantastic to launch the School Rugby Ambassador programme in our weeklong celebration of sport that is inspiring so many young people across the country. The energy and enthusiasm of the young leaders will help to drive excitement in schools about the Tournament and hopefully encourage thousands of young people to get involved with Rugby.”

The partnership of the Rugby Football Union, England Rugby 2015 and Youth Sport Trust has also created an interactive, innovative resource website which aims to bring Rugby World Cup 2015 to life in schools throughout the country. Designed by a group of teachers, the site is packed with resources and offers ideas and materials to incorporate rugby into a range of subjects as part of the build-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup. The site is based around the RFU’s five core values – Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. It offers creative ways in which teachers can apply each of those values in meaningful ways which will benefit their students across the curriculum. To view the site, log on to www.englandrugbyteachersresource.com

RFU Rugby Development Director, Steve Grainger, said: “This is an exciting project to help us raise awareness of Rugby in schools and inspire more young people to play the game or be involved in the sport in other ways.

“Our aim is to help them feel part of the excitement that hosting RWC 2015 will bring to this country and to have a real connection to the sport in the build-up to the Tournament.

“This new website will give schools access to a whole range of educational materials and ideas which can bring the game to life in imaginative ways. We are proud of the values that our sport promotes and we hope this website will help teachers to encourage them in all areas of school life.”

Throughout May, the RFU, supported by the Youth Sport Trust, delivered the second stage of Young Rugby Ambassador conferences that sought to recruit young people aged 16 to 20-years-old to promote Rugby World Cup 2015 within the English club network. There are currently 909 Young Rugby Ambassadors and 441 mentors who also have the task of encouraging players to come back to the game as well as cultural engagement.

Article source: http://www.express.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/484140/Wales-Jonathan-Davies-backs-Liam-Williams-to-recover-from-mistake

Ambassador programme for Milton Keynes schools launched for 2015 Rugby ...