Do you feel that kids spend too much time on the sofa in front of the television? Frustrated by the fact that youngsters opt for a computer game over a runaround with friends? Would you like them to be more active, fitter and have fun?

Cotham Park RFC has the answer: On Friday 3rd December over a hundred young rugby players from six South Bristol junior schools will descend on Cotham Park to enjoy and play in a Rugby Tag Festival.

Teachers in South Bristol have taken on the role of Primary Link Teachers to teach Tag Rugby in their schools, providing pupils with the opportunity of discovering the enjoyment of learning new skills, the thrill of competing and, most importantly, the fun of taking part in sport.

“The festival is very much geared to encouraging kids to get involved in sport,” says festival organiser Chris Meechan. “By linking clubs with schools, pupils are more likely to want to participate in sports outside of school time. This festival is the ideal way of introducing youngsters to the game, and may provide them with a life long involvement with rugby.”

From 9.15am to 12pm, the club will host Ashton Gate School, Ashton Vale School, Christ Church School, Luckwell School, Southville School and South Street School. Each team will be accompanied by a Sports Leader from Ashton Park Sixth Form. The Rugby Football Union’s Referees Society will provide referees to ensure fair play for all.

Cotham Park RFC, based on Beggar Bush Lane near Ashton Court, is hosting the event in partnership with Ashton Park Sports College as part of their outreach Junior Development Programme. The link is a component of the club’s development plan and is also part of RFU strategy. The programme aims to encourage young persons of all ages and abilities to take part in rugby.

Cotham Park RFC, which runs sides in the senior, junior, midi and mini sections, is targeting the South Bristol area because they are the only rugby club in the immediate vicinity that has a junior section. Training for the junior sides is held at the club on Sundays between 10.30am - 12.00pm. New members of all ages and abilities are very much welcomed.

For more information on the Tag Rugby Festival, call Cotham Park RFC Secretary & Festival Organiser Chris Meechan on 01275 393697. Alternatively contact Ashton Park Sports College, Schools’ Sports Co-ordinator Beth Jones on 07919 368584.

Cotham Park RFC address: Upper Farm, Beggar Bush Lane, Failand, Bristol, BS8 3TJ.  Tel: 01275 392501.

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