The programme will kick-off at the City of Derry RFC on Wednesday 2nd and 9th August then move to the Londonderry YMCA RFC on Wednesday 16th and 23rd August. It is open to all young people within the Londonderry area, including Waterside and Cityside. Free transport will be arranged for pick up points throughout these areas.

Tag Rugby is a non-contact sport that involves learning ball passing skills and builds fitness and co-ordination skills.  It is therefore suitable for both males and females.

Chris Webster, Youth Development Manager at the IRFU Ulster Branch commented: “The IRFU Ulster Branch is delighted to be able to deliver this four week scheme in conjunction with the Youth Justice Agency. The four tag sessions, which will be delivered by qualified rugby personnel, will provide an introduction to rugby with an emphasis on learning new skills, teamwork and above all making new friends while also growing awareness of the game.”

Peter Quinn, Project Manager of the Foyle Young Persons Partnership (part of Youth Justice Agency Community Services), said, “This is a great opportunity for two communities to experience a new sport together. This scheme will provide local young people with the opportunity to take part in a sport they may not have played before, apply self discipline skills, work co-operatively with each other, challenge themselves physically and mentally and develop positive citizenship skills”.

Bill Lockhart Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Agency added, “There is substantial evidence to suggest that sport and physical activity programmes can provide a useful vehicle through which personal and social development may occur.  There is also strong evidence that sport can play a key role in developing ‘connectedness’ with individuals to communities and with communities to broader society.

Four coaches and two volunteers will attend each training night.  Young people who complete the four sessions will receive a free t-shirt and rugby ball and Tyrone Springs will be supporting the scheme by providing bottled water over the four weeks.

The scheme will be limited to a maximum number of 100 young people. This is based on a first come first served basis.  Anyone interested is urged to contact Peter Quinn on 028 7136 5593 as soon as possible.