Young Rugby Ambassadors scheme launched

Today marks two years to go to the final of Rugby World Cup 2015, and to mark the occasion the Young Rugby Ambassador programme kicked off in Exeter, one of the Host Cities.

The RFU has unveiled plans to develop more young volunteers in rugby clubs across the country through its ‘Young Rugby Ambassadors’ programme.

Rugby clubs are being asked to nominate sixteen to twenty year olds to become Young Rugby Ambassadors, whose role will be to excite and inspire other young people in the build-up to the Rugby World Cup 2015 (RWC 2015) and beyond. 

Today an event was being staged at the Corn Exchange involving young volunteers and mentors from rugby across Exeter and Devon. They were taking part in workshops discussing ideas for community projects to inspire people about rugby, exploring different leadership and ambassadorial styles and sharing information about RWC2015.

These young ambassadors will be working in their clubs to pass on the latest news on RWC 2015, raise awareness of rugby in their local area and will also help to get 16-24 year olds from their community playing rugby again.

RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger emphasised the benefits of the programme: “We are committed to support the development of young people as volunteers and future leaders in our clubs at all levels. This programme provides an opportunity for them to take their first leadership roles in clubs, using the inspiration of Rugby World Cup 2015 to engage current club members and recruit new ones.

“These young people represent the best of their generation and they will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the development and long term success of our sport in clubs across the country.”
Today marks two years to go to the final of Rugby World Cup 2015, and the Young Rugby Ambassador programme kicked off today in Exeter, one of the Host Cities for the RWC 2015.

Rugby contributes to the development of young people in a wide variety of ways in building confidence and team working skills, commitment, supporting each other in difficult times, working towards a shared goal and of course improving fitness.

There will be up to four Young Rugby Ambassadors from each rugby club, along with adult mentors who will work with them to provide advice and guidance, ensuring that they receive the support they need. The next group of young volunteers will be recruited by May next year.

Cllr Rosie Denham, Exeter City Council portfolio holder for Economy & Culture, said “With Exeter being a Host City for the Rugby World Cup 2015, we want this international sporting event to have a lasting impact on the city.  The Young Rugby Ambassador programme is the ideal opportunity for young people to be involved with the development of the game and for them be role models for the game of rugby”.