A young individual from Oldham, previously unfamiliar with rugby, has shared the significant impact the sport has had on his confidence, both on and off the field. Wilson Ogbeide, a Year Nine student at Oasis Academy Leesbrook, attributes his newfound love for rugby to the Project Rugby program initiated by the Sale Sharks Foundation.
Although Wilson had previously favoured football and basketball, rugby was entirely new to him. However, through the Project Rugby program, he found himself becoming more comfortable with the sport. He expressed his enjoyment of the contact aspect of rugby, particularly the thrill of tackling and having fun while playing with his friends. This has resulted in improved self-assurance for him, and he now looks forward to joining a local rugby club.
Project Rugby, in partnership with Gallagher and the RFU, aims to introduce the sport to as many people as possible and make it accessible to individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. The program is focused on engaging participants from traditionally underrepresented groups, striving to create an inclusive environment for all. With coaches and volunteers from Premiership Rugby clubs and Club Foundations conducting accessible sessions within local communities, Project Rugby has made significant strides in promoting the sport.
Mark Irving, a community coach at Sale Sharks Foundation, who has been involved with the program for several years, expressed great pride in witnessing Ogbeide’s progress. He emphasized the importance of Project Rugby in offering opportunities to schools and students who wouldn’t have otherwise had the chance to experience the sport. Irving highlighted the joy in seeing participants leaving sessions with beaming smiles, even in adverse weather conditions.
Since its inception in 2017, Project Rugby has reached over 100,000 individuals through sessions held at more than 200 different locations across England. The program not only introduces participants to the sport but also supports them in finding local grassroots teams, enabling them to continue playing regularly and reaping the benefits of the game.
Chris Patterson, Gallagher’s Regional Managing Director for the Northwest, commended the positive impact of Project Rugby on the lives of young people. He cited Wilson’s story as evidence of the initiative’s success in making rugby more inclusive and inspiring the next generation of players.
For those interested in finding a Project Rugby session near them, the website www.premiershiprugby.com/community/project-rugby provides information on the nearest available sessions.
It is heartening to see how rugby, through initiatives like Project Rugby, continues to make a profound impact on the lives of young individuals. Wilson’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of sports, and it is through programs like this that we can truly foster a sense of confidence and inclusivity within our communities.