Extra-Large Launch For Scottish Rugby & The Princes Trust

Scottish Rugby and The Prince’s Trust Scotland teamed up yesterday to deliver an initiative aimed at boosting self esteem, social skills and motivation amongst some of Scotland’s hardest to reach young people._Scottish Rugby and The Prince’s Trust Scotland teamed up yesterday to deliver an initiative aimed at boosting self esteem, social skills and motivation amongst some of Scotland’s hardest to reach young people._ Ten Scottish schools will take part in the XL Tag Rugby programme which offers an introduction to rugby through multiple tag rugby sessions, access to players, education materials, as well as coaching from Scottish Rugby staff on nutrition and healthy lifestyles.A number of professional players have also been lined up as guest coaches and will visit a number of the participating schools.Glasgow Warriors own extra-large players, Andrew Henderson and James Eddie joined participating pupils from St Mungo’s Academy, Glasgow, to launch the programme at Firhill Stadium.As part of the programme, pupils will also experience the thrill of the international game first hand at the Scotland v Italy RBS 6 Nations game at Murrayfield on Saturday 28 February, before competing in a tag rugby tournament – which will see pupils from all participating schools playing against each other – at a celebration day at the home of Scottish Rugby the following week.In 2007, a joint RBS and Prince’s Trust report revealed that educational underachievement costs Scotland _1.2 billion in lost earnings. This programme aims to tackle young people in schools who are poor attendees or are at risk of exclusion. Geraldine Gammell, Director of The Prince’s Trust Scotland said, ‘this is an excellent opportunity for young people to get involved in learning a new sport and discovering new skills. Participants will not only receive training from some of rugby’s leading sportsmen, it’s also a chance to build their self confidence, self esteem and truly experience working as a team.Glasgow Warriors and Scotland international Andrew Henderson, added: It’s great that Scottish Rugby and The Prince’s Trust can work together to produce such a tremendous initiative and hopefully they can continue to encourage young people to be fit and active.You can learn a lot of personal, social and team skills through sport as well as developing enthusiasm and motivation in all aspects of life.It would be brilliant if some stars of the future come off the back of this programme.Since the programme launched in 2004, over 1000 young people have been helped through RBS 6 Nations and The Prince’s Trust._