TP launch school rugby project

Travis Perkins have teamed up with the Northampton Saints RFC to launch a project to take rugby into schools across Northampton.

Travis Perkins is supporting the Saints’ work in the local community by investing £33,000 in the project. This sum has been matched pound for pound by government-funded scheme Sportsmatch, which will enable the initiative to run for a full year.

As part of the scheme, 50 primary schools in Northampton will all receive coaching sessions, assembly visits and class-based Tag Rugby competitions. In addition, nine secondary schools will have the opportunity to take part with coaching and inter-school festivals. The special schools in the area will have specific rugby coaching tailored to their individual needs, culminating in an opportunity to play at Franklin’s Gardens, the Northampton Saints’ home ground.

The project will also be used to address other issues such as motivation, health, and education. The Northampton Saints will, with the RFU, also support the development of coaching, coach education and the administration of volunteers.

“Travis Perkins has a long-standing commitment to supporting community projects,” said Travis Perkins’ trade marketing director Linda Doughty,. “We are very proud of this initiative and are delighted to be supporting the Saints’ outstanding work in the community. Travis Perkins does not see this project as a one-off and we would like to see this arrangement continue for many years to come and become an essential part of education in Northampton.”

Sian Haynes, head of community at Northampton Saints, commented: “This funding from Travis Perkins and Sportsmatch will give us the capability to enhance and expand our programme of work. Rugby is the ultimate team sport and we believe that it can be used in a broader context to help children’s education and personal wellbeing. We have a key role to play in promoting healthy living.”