All South Ayrshire Council primary schools in the Carrick Cluster have been learning to play ‘New Image Rugby’ to encourage them to take more physical exercise. To celebrate the introduction of this new sport to pupils a ‘New Image Rugby’ Festival was held at Carrick Academy.

‘New Image Rugby’ can be played by boys and girls and requires similar skills to conventional rugby, but the main difference is that it is non-contact sport.  The participants each wear a Velcro waistband with two tags trailing from it.  The players are ‘tackled’ by an opponent removing a tag from the waistband.  There are no posts at either end of the playing area, so there are no conversions in the game, but tries can still be scored.

A rugby coach, provided by the Scottish Rugby Union delivered training to the pupils, either as part of their curriculum or during after school hours.  The initiative is being delivered through partnership working by Active Schools, the Scottish Rugby Union and South Ayrshire Council.

After watching the pupils play ‘New Image Rugby’ at the Festival Councillor Pam Paterson, Convener of the Council’s Lifelong Learning Committee presented certificates of attendance.  Councillor Paterson said:  “Projects such as these motivate children to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.  By getting young people into the habit of taking regular exercise it is more likely that they will continue with their healthy lifestyle in to their adult years. “

In addition to getting children to take part in formal sport and exercise at school Active Schools aims to introduce more physical activity into young peoples lives through active travel plans and dance.  This supports several Government initiatives including Health Promoting Schools, Curriculum for Excellence and Safe Routes to School.  Active Schools deliver their specially designed programmes with support from a wide range of partners.

November 2006