News
Local children successfully complete ‘tag rugby’ scheme (22/08/2007)
Local children, aged between 11 and 17 in Derry have successfully completed a free four week ‘tag rugby’ scheme organised by the Youth Justice Agency in conjunction with Irish Rugby Football Union, Ulster Branch.Launched last year over 75 children from the Waterside and Cityside areas ofDerry participated in the scheme which was run between City of Derry RFCand Londonderry YMCA RFC.
A non-contact sport that promotes fitness and co-ordination skills ‘tag rugby’ is proven to help build self-esteem and team working skills.
“Following the great response we had last year, we decided to run the scheme again. It has proven very successful in allowing young people from across the community to experience a sport they may not have played before,” said Peter Quinn, Project Manager for Youth Justice Community Services Foyle.
“Tag rugby teaches self-discipline and co-operation between those who play it, promoting positive social interaction and the development of citizenship skills. It also provides young people with good role models and a constructive outlet to channel their energies,” he continued.
All successful participants who completed this years ‘tag rugby’ scheme, were awarded a T-shirt and rugby ball from local sporting hero Niall O’Connor, a member of the Ulster Rugby Academy, at a special ceremony held at the Y.M.C.A. Grounds, Derry. They were also entered into a special draw for free tickets to a forthcoming Ulster vs. Leeds Carnegie match at Ravenhill on the 31st August.
Commenting on the success of the scheme, Bill Lockhart, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency said:
“Physical activity programmes like ‘tag rugby’ are proven to stimulate personal growth and development. They can also help divert young people away from less constructive activities, provide positive role models and establish a peer group that will help them to make rewarding and lasting friendships.
“Another benefit of schemes like this one is that they help encourage cohesion between individuals and communities and between communities and broader society,” he continued.
Barry Willis, Youth Development Manager at IRFU Ulster Branch, said:
“We were delighted to again be working with the Youth Justice Agency in this highly successful scheme. It complements our own Community Development Initiative, which is funded by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure through Sport NI.
“Outreach programmes like this ‘tag rugby’ scheme offer a wide-range of benefits for all those who participate in them, as well as for society as whole, and should be encouraged and supported where ever possible,” he continued.
Set up in 2003 the Youth Justice Agency aims to help children address their offending behaviour, divert them away from crime, assist with their integration back into the community, whilst meeting the needs of victims of crime.
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