Scotland 7s work with Atlas Foundation in Cape Town
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup Sevens, which took place over the weekend in Cape Town, Scotland 7s enjoyed a visit to their training pitches from local children, organised through the Atlas Foundation, a charity that strives to offer opportunity and support to disadvantaged youngsters.
Atlas aims to offer safety, education, food and physical activities to youngsters and Scotland’s national team were thrilled to welcome some excited locals along for a day of rugby and fun, as well as being able to learn about the very different cultural experiences for these South African children.
After the visit from two separate townships based in Cape Town, Scotland 7s head coach Ciaran Beattie explained that he and his group got just as much out of the day as the children: “We came and did something in 2019 through the Atlas Foundation and this was very similar – trying to use rugby as a way of helping underprivileged kids.
“After lots of fun training exercises, we had a game against the very talented locals – they beat us fair and square!
“We feel lucky to have had the opportunity to get an insight into a very different type of upbringing and it was a humbling experience. I think the players were taken aback by the perspective that they got from our work with the Atlas Foundation and we are extremely grateful to have seen a bit more of this amazing country.”