The summer began with our summer multi-sports camp, which we held at Rendcomb College, near Cirencester, whereby youngsters enjoyed a host of activities, including not just rugby but cricket, rounders and a fun athletics competition. A week when the sun actually shone throughout and everyone had a great time.
Following this we held a summer school at Kingsholm, a new venture ran in conjunction with Stroud College. 30 young people aged 16-18 signed up for this week long course which gave them an insight into working within a professional sporting environment.
During the week students worked towards achieving awards in sports leadership, health and nutrition and personal development.
Helen Chu, Community Education Tutor, said:
"The summer school was a great success. It was good to see so many young people prepared to give up a week of their summer holidays and to come along to learn and develop new skills."
The week after and with little time to relax the community team then set off to North Devon for a rugby camp with the Royal Marines.
A group of 40 young aspiring rugby players aged 14-16 joined the community team at the Royal Marines base at Chivenor near Barnstaple for a week of rugby and personal development training.
With the summer coming to an end (although not sure it ever began this year with the horrendous weather) we turn our attention to the new season and the new school term.
The Community team will once again be out and about delivering grass roots rugby programmes, rugby camps, festivals and tournaments, in addition, to planning and organising education and social inclusion projects.
We continue to work with local health and education services to provide opportunities for young people.
Last year we ran confidence boosting sessions for young people with speech, language and communication needs from Brockworth Enterprise School, Barnwood Park School, and Pittville School. Plans are underway to offer this programme to more schools across the area.
Our Community Education centre based at Kingsholm will be inviting schools to get involved in our 'Engage' programme. A 6 week block aimed at helping children to focus on building their self-esteem and communication skills.
Teaching staff accompanying the students on previous courses have said:
"It's been great to see the students interact with others and see their confidence grow"
"I would definitely recommend the course to other schools, it is a fun and relaxed learning environment that the kids really benefit from"
Helen Chu, Gloucester Rugby's education tutor:
"Children who are disengaging from school often find it hard to ask for help. We create an environment where there is plenty of support from learning mentors, and in a small group you can really see how it makes a difference"
We are looking forward to a very busy year in the community. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has and continues to support our community initiatives.
In particular a special note to local companies who are helping us make a difference in the community.
Renishaw PLC, Ecclesiastical Insurance, Lanes Health, Bristol Street Motors, Mears Group, Lex Autolease, EDF Energy, Capita, Rendcomb College, Robert Hitchins, Rickerbys LLP and our Premiership Rugby partners. Thank you to all.
Footnote: I would like to thank Dave Barley and Ben Smith for all their hard work and efforts in making our community projects at great success.
They have both recently taken up new positions as community coaches with the RFU. Good luck both for the future. (Especially to Dave who is soon to become a Dad - best wishes to you and Vicky)
If you would like more information about any of our Community projects please contact Gary on 01452 872277 or email garylittle@gloucesterrugby.co.uk
