Pilgrim Primary with Plymouth Albion in Partnership with Vospers
Plymouth Albion RFC, in association with Vospers, has unveiled an exciting new initiative aimed at promoting rugby among school children in the PL1 and PL2 areas of Plymouth. This program will provide primary school pupils with the opportunity to develop their rugby skills and play at the iconic home of Plymouth Albion, ‘The Brickfields’.
What the Initiative Offers
A number of primary schools, including one of our Trust's primary schools, Pilgrim Primary Academy, will benefit from professional rugby coaching. The club is providing four expert coaches who will deliver a structured schools programme, offering a total of 30 hours of training per school over a 10-week period. These sessions will be integrated into PE lessons or held as after-school activities, ensuring accessibility for all students.
The initiative aims to make Tag Rugby a fun and engaging experience for children while instilling the core values of the sport: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. By fostering a love for the game, Plymouth Albion hopes to see increased participation in local youth rugby clubs, ensuring the next generation of players is nurtured from an early age.
Pilgrim Primary Academy's Experience
Pilgrim Primary Academy, had the opportunity to welcome Plymouth Albion for a tag rugby coaching session. Speaking on the impact of the initiative, Rachael Saim, Headteacher of Pilgrim Primary Academy, shared her enthusiasm:
“At Pilgrim Primary Academy, we were thrilled to be part of this incredible initiative, which has given our children the chance to develop not only their rugby skills but also their teamwork, resilience, and confidence.
The opportunity to learn from professional coaches and take part in a tournament at Plymouth Albion’s home ground is something they will remember for years to come. We are grateful to Plymouth Albion and Vospers of Plymouth for their commitment to supporting young people in our community through sport.”
Dean Ashton OBE, CEO of Reach South said:
"As an academy trust, we are always looking for opportunities that inspire and engage our pupils beyond the classroom. This partnership between Plymouth Albion and Vospers of Plymouth has provided an invaluable experience for children attending Pilgrim Primary, promoting not only physical activity but also teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Seeing our pupils develop their confidence and skills through sport has been fantastic, and we are delighted to be part of such a positive initiative that benefits the wider community."
Leaders in the Community Share Their Enthusiasm
Plymouth Albion RFC’s Managing Director, Max Venables, emphasized the broader impact of rugby beyond the game itself:
“It’s natural to think that rugby encourages team spirit amongst its players, but in truth, it delivers so much more than that and can play an important role in the education of young people. The levels of respect that rugby players show towards match officials are just one example of its value. This initiative, in association with Vospers, isn’t just important for the club, it’s important for Rugby itself. As custodians of the game in the Plymouth area, we have to play our part. We look forward to the coaching sessions in January and can’t wait for the first ball to be kicked at the Festival of Rugby.”
Similarly, Vospers Chairman, Peter Vosper, highlighted the company’s dedication to youth development:
“Vospers has had a long association with Plymouth Albion, and supporting young people is a passion for both Nick and myself. Max has put together an incredible opportunity for young people to enjoy sport, meet new friends, build confidence, and have fun. Vospers is delighted to be part of this initiative.”
Looking Ahead
With this initiative, Plymouth Albion and Vospers are working together to ensure rugby remains accessible to young people in Plymouth. By fostering a love for the game early on, they are not only helping develop young athletes but also reinforcing the values that rugby instills in its players.
As the schools prepare for their sessions and the countdown to the Festival of Rugby begins, excitement is building for what promises to be an unforgettable experience for Plymouth’s next generation of rugby enthusiasts. Best of luck to Pilgrim Primary Academy!!
