The Fulham school was nominated by their school rugby manager to take part in a sport-fuelled day at rugby HQ as part of the Allianz Kick Start Programme.
Allianz Kick Start is a six-week long programme designed to introduce primary school classes to T1 Rugby, a fun, non-contact form of rugby.
Through a series of six lessons led by special coaches and hosts, the programme introduces children to the sport through a combination of games, cooperative learning exercises, and videos.
With the opportunity to play against schools from all over England in one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues and have an exclusive tour of the changing rooms, teacher Jessie Taylor was thrilled to open up a whole new world to her Y5 students through rugby.
“Sport Impact came to us and offered the programme and it sounded like such a good opportunity, especially for children in cities where there sometimes is not the open space for sports like rugby,” she said.
“They were really excited to come but I don’t think they knew much about the Allianz or rugby and so when they were walking up and saw the stadium there were lots of amazed faces.”
Sulivan Primary School only recently started taking part in T1 Rugby through the Allianz Kick Start programme after they were introduced.
For Taylor, it has been an important addition to the school’s curriculum, with students continuing to develop their teamwork, respect and discipline skills at a crucial age.
“We are still early on in the programme and still have lots to learn but so far they are really enjoying it,” added Taylor.
“The way the idea of rugby is introduced through the lessons is really good and breaks down the competitive sport into different sections.”
CBBC presenter Joe Tasker was present on the day to surprise the children and take part in some of the activities, after starring in the Allianz Kick Start ‘Enjoyment’ video to showcase the importance of having fun through sport.
And while he may not be an elite rugby player, he noted how the day was a brilliant showcase of inclusive and accessible rugby.
“As someone who hasn’t played rugby before, it’s brilliant they wanted me to learn T1 rugby with the schools that are also playing it,” he said.
“I absolutely love that you don’t even need any experience – you can play it with a rugby ball, you can play it with a tennis ball.
“And I love being here in Allianz Stadium – we’ve got it all to ourselves. They wanted a professional and then I rocked up! I always get stuck in, I love it.”
Allianz Kick Start is a six-week long programme designed to introduce primary school classes to T1 Rugby. A fun, non-contact form of rugby. Visit www.englandrugby.com for more information.