Hub Rugby was a free event for children aged 6 – 12 years held at Maindee Primary School during the October 2022 half-term and was supported by the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU). On the day over 55 children partook in a variety of rugby skills, drills and games designed to help them stay active and have fun during the school holidays.
The growth of grassroots sports in Newport and the surrounding areas is a crucial area of focus for Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing team. Hub Rugby highlighted the various ways in which children can partake in rugby but helped to reduce any barriers to participation by providing children with access to the game in their local community. Providing positive rugby experiences is key to growing the game at a grassroots level with many of the children in attendance being signposted to local clubs and sporting opportunities in the community.
Eleri Jackson, Community Sport and Physical Activity Development Coach at Newport Live said “Hub Rugby was created in order to provide children with the chance to participate in rugby-related activities, tackle holiday hunger in Newport and foster the development of the game at a grassroots level. More than 55 children partook in the event, after which they were signposted to local clubs and sporting opportunities with the community.”
Martine Smith, Equity Lead at Maindee Primary School said “The school site was buzzing with activity and excitement. The Hub Rugby sessions received rave reviews from the kids, parents, and staff. The event was well-planned, and the Community Sport & Wellbeing team treated all of our students and parents with extreme care, patience, and professionalism. As a school community, we are looking forward to developing this provision and our partnership in the future.”
The Community Sport & Wellbeing team made tackling holiday hunger within areas of the city that experience high deprivation/poverty rates a top priority by giving all children present at the event free healthy packed lunches and smoothies.
Newport Live’s Community Sport & Wellbeing Team deliver sport, health and well-being opportunities for children, families, schools, sports clubs and communities across Newport. They strive to make a difference by encouraging people to be more physically active and supporting people’s mental well-being. The team are held in high regard locally, regionally, and nationally by partners, and continues to use sport as a tool to engage and inspire people to be happier and healthier.
As Newport Live is a charitable organisation, all of its customers and members are helping to support the delivery of community projects and activities across Newport.
To find out further information about Hub Rugby and how you can sign up / get involved in future events call 01633 287695 or email sportsdevelopment@newportlive.co.uk.
