Scunthorpe Lanson’s Girls rugby teams and HeartWell are about to launch an exciting new project aimed at improving eating habits alongside raising fitness levels through a ‘whole game’ approach.

Most junior sports teams tend to concentrate on the playing aspects of the game, i.e. skills improvement, tactical awareness, fitness and of course putting all those elements into practice on the pitch in the form of competitive matches.

‘Whole game’ approach is a concept where the other side of the exercise equation is tackled.  That is, where aspects of diet, nutrition, physiological and psychological elements are also looked at.

This unique partnership between girls’ rugby and HeartWell draws these two aspects together for the first time.

So, what are the details of the scheme?

There are four elements:

·         To develop an education programme using community food workers and other experts to deliver practical food sessions to players, coaches and parents

·         Engage a sports nutritionalist to deliver educational sessions to players and coaches and develop player/coach psychological profile monitoring

·         Provide training for coaches to be able to deliver healthy lifestyle sessions

·         Increase the number of community food workers targeting parents and coaches at the club

What are the long-term outcomes?

Ultimately, those girls who go through the programme will be healthier in body and mind and prepared not only for playing competitive rugby to the best of their ability, but also better prepared for the stresses, strains and pressures of adult life.

Jane Franklin, the Scunthorpe Lanson’s girls’ Rugby coach said:

We welcome this partnership with HeartWell and thank them for providing the funding to support this initiative.  This scheme is particularly important to ensure the girls build on the success of last season on the pitch by educating them about healthier eating off the pitch.

Tina May Richardson-Ward, HeartWell Project Manager echoed Jane’s comments and added:

This health improvement programme is an excellent example of partnership working to address healthier eating amongst young people. The ‘ whole game ‘ approach is a great way to contribute to improving health because it includes healthier eating.

The menu for the post match meals has already been changed ready for the start of next season with the introduction of balanced healthier meals and the banning of chips!

If the scheme is a success it is hoped to roll out the programme to include the mini and junior sections, and perhaps, even the senior teams.

The scheme ‘kicks off’ in August at Scunthorpe Rugby Club during pre season training and the girls’ section are always looking for new players.  So, if there are any girls out there between the ages of 12 and 17 years who want to learn how to play rugby in a safe environment under the guidance of qualified coaches just get in touch with Jane.

Jane Franklin can be contacted on 07900477745.

Author: Andy Bagshaw, Chairman - Scunthorpe Lanson's Girls Rugby Section.