As the Six Nations is well under way, Cardiff Blues and Sport.Cardiff prepare to launch a new and improved grassroots rugby programme to encourage children to take up the sport.
The Future Blues schools programme is a joint partnership between Cardiff Blues and Sport.Cardiff.
The rugby development initiative is delivered to primary school children aged five to 11 years of age and is being launched as Cardiff celebrates being the 2014 European Capital of Sport.
Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Ramesh Patel said:
“During this exciting year for the city as European Capital of Sport and of course as rugby fever grips the nation during the Six Nations, I am thrilled that youngsters across Cardiff will be inspired and encouraged to take up this fantastic sport which is ingrained in Cardiff’s rich sporting heritage.
“We have successfully worked with Cardiff Blues for several years and the Future Blues initiative enables us to join together in reaching out to school children and provide them with the opportunity to engage in rugby. They will learn new skills in an enjoyable environment, with the aim that they will go on to join local clubs and take up the sport for life.”
Rugby festivals involving all schools will also continue to be held each term as part of the Cardiff Games, a significant school sports programme which provides every child in Cardiff with the opportunity to participate in competitive sport.
Established as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic legacy, the scheme creates a clear competition pathway from primary school and secondary school sport to community and club sport.
The Future Blues programme uses tag rugby to increase and improve physical literacy, communication, cognitive skills and wellbeing through a child centred approach.
It is aimed at primary schools and last year was delivered to over 5200 children in Cardiff by a team of fully accredited, energetic, passionate and ambitious coaches with a wreath of experience in coaching and childcare.
