Old Mutual International is supporting England Rugby’s Old Mutual Wealth Kids First scheme on the Island which provides a fun way for children to learn the game at their school or local club. Starting this month [January 2018], Douglas RUFC coach Carl Murray, who is a former international player and a regular in the club’s 1st XV, will be visiting selected schools to give children expert coaching.
 
Aimed at boys and girls aged from six to 13, the Kids First scheme puts children first by developing the skills of coaches so that they can create great rugby environments which inspire children to stay involved in the game for longer. More than 500 clubs and schools in England have already signed up to the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Rugby Pledge, which is a commitment to support the principles of the scheme.

Now, thanks to sponsorship from Old Mutual International, the scheme will be introduced into local schools, starting with Ashley Hill Primary, Cronk Y Berry, and Onchan Primary.

Carl Murray, who is Douglas RUFC’s Rugby Development Officer, said: “Kids First will help to develop rugby on the Island by growing the game at grassroots level. It provides an excellent introduction to rugby. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, incorporating the core values of the game which develops children’s confidence and life skills beyond the sports field. The coaching sessions in January are just the start of the Kids First programme. We are waiting to hear back from other schools which want to get involved, and as the scheme develops we will get more coaches qualified and be able to spread the sessions Island-wide.”

Chris Brannigan, Isle of Man Rugby Development Officer with England Rugby, welcomed Old Mutual International’s support for the scheme and added: “We have been a supporter of the Kids First approach through our coaching and coach education programmes since its introduction to England Rugby, but it is great that we can now link it all together with an Island-based branch of the scheme, thanks to OId Mutual International’s support. It’s a scheme that really focuses on being child centred, not coach centred, and I’m sure that the inclusive, fun approach will be a hit with kids at schools and all of our Island based clubs.”

If any club or school would like to sign up to the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Rugby Pledge, please either visit www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/kids-first-rugby/sign-up or email chrisbrannigan@rfu.com for further info.
 
For more information about Douglas RUFC, go to http://douglasrufciom.rfu.club/ 
 
Photo - Old Mutual International is supporting England Rugby’s Old Mutual Wealth Kids First scheme in the Isle of Man. Pictured is a Kids First session in England where more than 500 clubs and schools have already signed up to the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Pledge, which is a commitment to support the principles of the scheme.