The West Sussex West School Sport Partnership (WSW SSP), ran 2 high quality tag rugby festivals on 10th and 11th October. The first event took place at Bognor Rugby Club for Year 3/4 children. The second at Chichester Rugby Club for Year 5/6.

Both events were very well attended, each having 120 children participate. The afternoon consisted of mixed school groups having an hour of skills and drills led by The Regis School Year 8 & 9 sports leaders. The secondary pupils were trained prior to the event in leading tag rugby to the various primary age groups. The sports leaders consisted of rugby representatives and obvious future PE teacher contenders. This was a great experience for them. The leaders were responsible for the planning and delivery of the activities with only 2 goals - the children have fun and improve their tag rugby ability. Both goals were achieved with flying colours. The children gave a thumbs up/down at the start of each event at their confidence in playing the game and did the same at the end with an impressive 100% thumbs up by the end at both events.

Following the training the children returned to their school teams and had the chance to experience some matches. Although Year 3/4 took a little while, by the end we were seeing some fantastic tries scored, it was a joy to watch on a glorious sunny day. The Year 5/6 matches took a keen competitive edge straight away showing some exceptionally high standards despite having to battle the elements. The teachers were very impressed with the afternoons and the progress their children had made.

WSW SSP manager, Sean O’Connor commented: “These 2 events could not have taken place without the Regis School sports leaders who did an exceptional job and made The Regis School proud. A huge thank you to both Bognor and Chichester Rugby Club. I hope the children not already playing now look at accessing rugby after school at either club, as we try to promote our local club pathways”.

Schools in attendance, Year 3-4: Bersted Green, Bosham, Edward Bryant, North Mundham, Sidlesham, Southway and St Mary’s. Year 5-6: Eastergate, North Mundham, Sidlesham, Southway, St Mary’s, Walberton and Binsted, West Dean and Westbourne.

Find out what primary school events are in your area click the link: http://www.westsussexwestssp.co.uk/events