GETTING KIDS INTO RUGBY LEAGUE
KiwiSport Rugby League - a runaway success!
NZCT is a proud supporter of KiwiSport Rugby League in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. KiwiSport is a programme that gives school-aged children an opportunity to play rugby league. This year the KiwiSport Rugby League programme was offered to school children in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regions for the first time, with excellent results. As well as promoting the sport of rugby league, the six week programme strengthens the school-club link, helping local clubs recruit future members and league players.
The NZCT-funded KiwiSport Officers responsible for delivering the programme organise after-school sessions, holiday programmes, lunchtime league games, league based PE classes, inter-school tournaments and community fun days.
Marcus Reynolds, General Manager, Upper Central Rugby League, says he is thrilled with the participation levels and the enthusiasm shown by all involved.
“During the first school term this year more than 5,000 school-aged children in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty participated in the KiwiSport Rugby League programme,” says Marcus. “Most of them had never played rugby league before, so we’ve created a huge opportunity to build a league following amongst this group of youngsters. This can only benefit our sport and the future of our league clubs.
“I’m extremely proud of the work done by our KiwiSports Officers, generating this much interest and delivering such a well organised, high quality programme,” he says. “We have to thank NZCT for their financial support, because without the trust’s help these children may not have had the opportunity or exposure to this fantastic sport.”
The KiwiSport Rugby League programme will run all year and Mr Reynolds expects that by December more than 8000 Bay of Plenty and 8000 Waikato school children will have been introduced to rugby league. Now there’s a great success story!
