A NATIONAL rugby play programme, supported locally by Rother District Council, is available across Rother.

The council is supporting Rugbytots, a nationwide initiative for pre-school and primary school age children, to encourage local youngsters to participate in rugby-themed activity sessions across the district.

The structured play sessions teach children how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team in a fun, safe environment.

Funding from the council enabled the printing of a Rubytots rugby activity book, which was distributed to local schools prior to the Rugby World Cup 2023 to encourage interest in the sport and the play programme.

As a result, children across the district will soon be enjoying rugby sessions at their schools and nurseries delivered through the Rugbytots programme in their PE classes.

Rugbytots weekend courses are also currently available at Rye Rugby Club and the Hastings and Bexhill Rugby Club with additional weekend classes due to start soon to meet increased demand.

Cllr Hazel Timpe, Cabinet Member for Sports and Leisure at Rother District Council, said: “The council is committed to promoting and encouraging physical activity amongst our local children.

“Exercising and taking part in sport is not only vital for our young people’s physical health, it helps build their confidence and self-esteem too.

“Working in partnership is one of the key principles of our proposed Health and Wellbeing Strategy, and I am delighted we have been able to support the Rugbytots programme in Rother. And who knows, maybe a future Rugby World Cup star will emerge!”

For more information on Rugbytots, including local classes, visit www.rugbytots.co.uk.

Published: 26th October 2023