 The Onside programme was launched in January and is a revolutionary new scheme aimed at 16-18 year olds designed to improve confidence, communication skills, physical fitness and self-esteem in order to assist them into further education, training or employment.
The project is a partnership between Gloucester Rugby, Prospect Training, Wooden Spoon and TNT who have sponsored the programme. Sport England through its Sportsmatch programme generously match funded the TNT contribution which allowed the project to reach an extra 40 young people.
Gary Little, Gloucester Rugby Community Manager, said: "We are delighted to have received this award and the recognition for our community work. Gloucester Rugby is very much a community club and we run a whole range of programmes that support the development of the game, encouraging kids to learn to love and play it to the best of their ability and educational programmes that promote health and wellbeing". He continued "The Onside programme is a new and innovative scheme and although it is still in the pilot phase we have received much positive feedback. We hope that with ongoing support and funding we can continue to deliver the programme next season and seasons to come".
 Mike Tindall, adding his support as programme ambassador said: "As a youngster there were plenty of distractions centred around anti-social behaviour – but through sport and rugby in particular, I found a drive and an energy to focus on something extremely positive in my life." He added: “If, in any way possible, I can provide encouragement, a positive role model and an ambassadorial role then I am delighted to do so. This scheme is vital to the young people of Gloucester and everyone has be working extremely hard to make it a success.”
.jpg) Sport England's Commercial Director, Thomas Godfrey, said: "Sport has a unique ability to deliver fun and fulfilment at the same time as teaching young people skills such as leadership, organisation and team spirit that will help them throughout their lives. The Onside project is doing a great job at bringing these benefits to some of our most vulnerable young people."
Andy Reed MP, who has been a judge for all four years of the Awards existence said: "The sophistication and breadth of the projects being undertaken at the Guinness Premiership clubs is fantastic. There are a clutch of clubs who have shown they are excellent delivery partners for private and public sector organisations."
The panel of judges consisted of Derek Wyatt, MP for Sittingbourne and Sheppey (Chair), Paul Farrelly, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Mark McCafferty, Chief Executive of Premier Rugby, Andy Reed, MP for Loughborough and Miriam Sherlock, Editor of SportBusiness magazine.
|
