News
Local young people receive summer 'Tag Rugby' scheme prizes (10/09/2009)
The Youth Justice Agency, in partnership with the Ulster Branch of the Irish Rugby Football Union, rounded off a successful summer tag rugby scheme for young people in Derry last week by presenting prizes to all those who took part.The scheme was held at two separate venues, Londonderry YMCA RFC at Drumahoe and City of Derry RFC at Judge’s Road, and attracted over 50 boys and girls aged 13-17 from right across the city, with the Youth Justice Agency providing free transport from selected pick-up points within both Cityside and Waterside. Coaching sessions comprising fun, fitness and skills training were delivered by qualified IRFU Ulster Branch coaches with superb facilities provided by both local rugby clubs.
Peter Quinn, Manager of the Youth Justice Agency’s Foyle Community Services Office outlined some benefits of the scheme:-
“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”
All young people who participated received a certificate and a free rugby ball, and two special winners were drawn by ballot to receive additional prizes of an autographed ball (signed by a number of Ulster Rugby players including Andrew Trimble) and free tickets to a forthcoming Ulster Rugby match at Ravenhill.
Speaking at the prize-giving event, Youth Justice Agency Chief Executive Bill Lockhart commented:
“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.
Local IRFU Ulster Branch Community Rugby Development Officer Johnny Quigley added:
“I am delighted to work with the Youth Justice Agency in this highly successful ‘tag rugby’ scheme. Outreach programmes like this 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”
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