Cumbria RU run 2nd Tag Rugby Course for Police
Cumbria Rugby Football Union has been building links with the local Police Force over the past couple of seasons through the Child Victims of Crime (CVOC) Charity and Yazoo Milkshake sponsored Tag 2 Twickenham Rugby Programme. The programme is all based around mixed gender Tag Rugby for individuals at School Years 5 & 6 and is a huge national programme.
As part of the commitment of the CVOC Charity there is the option to train up Police Staff with a Tag Rugby Coaching Qualification. The idea behind delivering this Coaching Award is to increase community and school engagement by having officers working with children and young people in sports kit as opposed to the Police Uniform. This provides a less threatening environment for young people and promotes a more positive relationship between the Force and the young people who form the communities in which they are involved.
On a sunny Keswick Morning in April 16 Officers registered to participate in the RFU Tag Rugby Coaching Qualification delivered by RFU National Tag Rugby Lead – Matthew Ferguson. The course has a little theory involved surrounding the CVOC Charity but with the weather being extremely warm all candidates were itching to get outside and enjoy the practical element. The pleasing aspect was that officers were from all corners of Cumbria including the more rurally isolated areas of the County.
Each officer came to the course with at least 1 agreed primary school where they were going to deliver a block of Tag Rugby Coaching leading their team to a local festival. The afternoon practical session seen some impressive skills in terms of the playing of the game but also highlighted some very good coaching skills from the individuals which shows the link between the skills required as a Police Officer but also as a Coach. All officers were signed off as competent as they delivered their practical sessions, this is excellent news for the County it means there are 16 new and enthusiastic coaches delivering to schools across Cumbria, which in turn increases the participation in the Regional Programme.
These candidates are additional to the 9 who completed the Qualification in 2009 and have been doing a very good job in the meantime. Sessions have not been limited to Primary Schools either as other community groups and organisations have participated in the playing of the game. Overall the programme has been a huge success and with the increased numbers involved this year we hope this will continue to flourish. Cumbria Constabulary Chief Constable Craig Mackey will be in attendance at the South Lakes District Tag Finals on the 18th May 2010 at Kirkby Lonsdale RUFC to pledge his support, on his way to a Police Officers Convention in Bournemouth.
The Cumbria RU Development Team will also be looking to host a Police Tournament in the future where the full skills of the individuals can be showcased in a mixed leisure rugby event.
Thanks must go to David Etherden & Keswick RFC for use of their excellent indoor and outdoor facilities and hospitality.
If you are interested in Coaching at any level please get in touch with the Cumbria Rugby Development Officer – Liam Nicholls on liamnicholls@rfu.com or 07711901374
Pictured are Officers inside Keswick Rugby Club - Words Liam Nicholls
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