Academy set to tackle school of rugby project

TRYING: Lenzie Rugby Club are involved in the programme.

Lenzie Academy will become one Scotland’s Schools of Rugby after East Dunbartonshire councillors agreed to introduce the programme at the school at a recent meeting of the education committee.

Launched in 2011, the Schools of Rugby initiative has been successfully rolled out in 20 secondary schools throughout Scotland.

This year the Scottish Rugby Union plan to establish the project in a further six schools.

With its strong rugby heritage, Lenzie Academy was identified as an ideal school to strengthen senior rugby in the Lenzie and Kirkintilloch area.

Pupils from St Ninian’s High School, Kirkintilloch High School and associated primary schools will also be encouraged to access the programme on offer.

The broader rugby scheme consists of rugby teams for all ages, opportunities for the development of girls’ teams as well as non-playing opportunities for senior pupils in rugby coaching, refereeing, volunteering and running sport in local primary schools and rugby clubs.

The initial three year programme will be funded by Scottish Rugby Union, Lenzie Rugby Football Club and East Dunbartonshire Council, through the Curriculum for Excellence Fund.

Schools of Rugby provides a context for learning inside and outside of the classroom, allowing all pupils to experience rugby, and help to improve the fitness and physical literacy of players and in turn contribute to greater educational attainment.

Convener of education, Councillor Eric Gotts, said: “I am delighted that we have been approached by Scottish Rugby Union and Lenzie Rugby Football Club to establish a School of Rugby at Lenzie Academy.

“The programme has already been a great success in many schools throughout Scotland and it is fantastic that we can offer this opportunity to children in Lenzie and Kirkintilloch.

“Pupils will not only benefit from rugby coaching delivered as part of the school curriculum, they will be able to participate in a range of extra-curricular training sessions and games.

“I am sure that through the Lenzie Academy School of Rugby we will see a great number of children in the area develop a passion and talent for the sport.”