Sale Sharks programme - 2021

PROJECT RUGBY
We are really pleased with the positive work our
community development officers have achieved this
half-term with Project Rugby.
Project Rugby is a joint initiative between Premiership
Rugby and England Rugby, designed to increase
participation in the game from people from traditionally
under-represented groups.
Rugby is a sport for everyone no matter what their
background or ability, and has a unique propensity to
change lives, bringing increased self-confidence,
resilience and improving individual wellbeing.
This half-term we have placed a focus on encouraging
girls to participate in rugby, working with Jesmond Park
Academy and Longbenton High School, delivering
sessions to Year 7 and 8. We have successfully ran
training sessions from tackle techniques to contact, using
tackling shields. All girls were invited to a Newcastle
Rugby session at Novos RFC.
Keni Mais, a teacher at Jesmond Park Academy, spoke
highly of our community development officer Chris Ure,
who delivered these Project Rugby sessions, saying:
“Chris has been a fantastic coach at delivering project
rugby sessions at Jesmond Academy. The way he builds,
builds, and builds the sessions and questions the kid’s
knowledge all the time.”
A Year-8 girl at Jesmond Park Academy added: “The
sessions have been really enjoyable and fun. I think it’s
good that we are finally getting a chance to do rugby,
because when I was younger I always wanted to do it, but
never really got a chance as it was considered a boys’
sport. Chris has been a good at showing us what to do,
while making it enjoyable. We’ve done contact and
tackling, and been invited to Novos RFC to try club rugby.”
MEET THE TEAM
Andy Reynolds
Community development officer
“I have been linked with the Falcons at
various stages throughout my life; from
playing in the academy as a teen,
completing a two-year internship as an
analyst to the first team during my
university studies and returning as a
rugby development officer within the
community foundation. I have
coached several clubs across
Durham and Northumberland,
and have experienced all age
ranges. I am passionate
about rugby, and I love
seeing the positive impact
the sport has on people
from all walks of life.
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@FalconsRugby