A combined coaching session in the morning for two schools, St Lukes and Batchwood, at the Redbourn Leisure Centre saw 46 children attend two sessions and this was supported by Peter Schrivner, London Wasps and England “A” number 8. In the afternoon, with Mattie’s contacts and enthusiasm, an invitation to all MLD schools in Hertfordshire was sent out inviting them to a Tag teacher training afternoon, which saw 26 teachers from ten schools turn up. Tag bags from the RFU and goodie bags from London Wasps were provided for everyone.

Said John Drew, Chairman Hertfordshire Youth Committee, YDO Manager and member of the County Executive, “Once again Hertfordshire’s Martin Gallagher is showing us how to involve children with special educational needs in our game. It is fantastic to hear of the enjoyment experienced by all the children involved at the recent rugby days in tandem with Wasps Football Club. We hope this is the beginning of a long and productive initiative.”

A follow up was organised so that St Lukes and Batchwood could visit London Wasps at their Loftus Road stadium and their new Twyford Road training venue. They were greeted and coached by England’s Martyn Wood, Scottish International Kenny Logan, England Fly Half Alex King, Peter Schrivner and up and coming star Richard Birkett, who celebrated his 21st birthday the same day. The children sang Happy Birthday to him, which was a very touching moment. Nigel Melville, London Wasps Director of Rugby, said, “We are delighted to be associated with this new project targeting children with special needs. We were thrilled to have the schools visit Twyford Road. I believe the players got as much out of it as the children. Rugby may well have become professional, but its roots are still in the community.”

Mattie agreed, “The kids had a blast. They were buzzing and loved playing tag rugby, especially the girls.”

An indoor Tag tournament at Redbourn this month with 12 schools invited will be followed by and a series of tournaments during the summer term in 2002, with one scheduled for Twyford Road.