Rugby helps set new goals for pupils.
Pupils from Telford Priory School are going from strength to strength with help from a rugby coaching programme, aimed at getting them back on track for a brighter future.
Control, teamwork and confidence building are just some of the skills, 36 pupils are developing with support from the Hornets Rugby Club, West Mercia Police and the council’s Safer & Stronger Communities project.
All young people experience a variety of challenging personal situations, and coaching programmes like this provide a bit of extra support, empowering them to make positive choices about their lives.
Councillor Kelly Middleton, cabinet member for healthy, safer & stronger communities and partnerships said: “The coaches at the club are doing a fantastic job supporting the pupils in this programme. The support the team receives will hopefully have a positive effect on both their physical and mental wellbeing and translate into positive behaviours both on and off the pitch.
“The sessions not only give them a way to get rid of any frustrations in a positive way, but also a way to make a connection with someone who really cares about their future and is helping to build their confidence. This will hopefully help them to make good choices about what’s best for them.
“We are really pleased to be supporting this project and others like it. But they rely on people coming forward from communities with ideas about what’s needed and what works best so feel free to share your ideas with the Safer & Stronger Communities project team.”
Telford Priory School headteacher Head Mr David Barber said: “The opportunity offered to our students has been wonderful.
“Working with such committed professionals, the children have not only taken part in amazing physical activity but have developed important wider skills of teamwork and responsibility which will serve them well both in school and beyond.
“It is also lovely to hear that through this exposure, some of the children have chosen to keep up their involvement and have joined rugby clubs of their own. We cannot thank the group more for involving us."
West Mercia Police Inspector Richard Jones said: “The Telford Priory School and Hornets Rugby Club project goes from strength-to-strength with the students really getting stuck into the training.
“I am delighted to see how they are developing and learning key skills on the rugby field such as teamwork and respect that will serve them well in adult life.
“I am very grateful to all the staff at TPS and at the Hornets club who have worked with me to get this project off the ground and for the funding we have received for the kit and training from the Police and Crime Commissioner and Telford & Wrekin Council.”
Telford Hornets Rugby Club Chairman, John Barclay said: “Our club is a thriving community club, dedicated to providing the people of Telford with amazing life opportunities. We pride ourselves on sharing great values such as teamwork, enthusiasm, discipline and selflessness. It is these qualities that allow our membership to contribute to the local community.
“We are excited to see the super progress our developing players from Telford Priory School have made in such a short period of time. The future is looking bright and extremely positive. It is great to be a part of it.”
Telford & Wrekin Council have provided £2,000 of funding to support the coaching sessions which take place once a week at the Hornets grounds.
The Safer & Stronger Communities project is led by Telford & Wrekin Council in partnership with the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), John Campion. More that £2m will be invested into further improving safety and supporting new community groups, with an additional £500K from the PCC, over the next two years.
If you would like support from the project to look at improving safety in your area or helping a new community group get off the ground, email the team at Saferstronger@Telford.gov.uk or visit the website at https://www.telford.gov.uk/saferstronger
