The Sporting Schools funded ‘Get Into Rugby’ and ‘Touch 7s’ programs continue to be a popular choice for Queensland schools following a successful 2019 and 2020 roll out across the state.
Queensland Rugby Union (QRU) welcome the recent Federal Budget announcement of the Sporting Schools Program being extended until 31 December 2022, providing a further $40.8 million in funding to support schools in helping to partner with national sporting organisations to deliver high quality and diverse sport-based activity to students at no cost to participants.
QRU staff and partner clubs/associations have combined forces to deliver over 1500 sessions to over 125 schools annually across metropolitan and regional Queensland providing first time Rugby experiences for participants.
QRU State Development Manager Grant Dwyer said: “We’ve really only scratched the surface when it comes to our delivery footprint across Queensland and it is our intention to work closely with clubs to achieve a significant uplift in delivery numbers.
“Transition of the Get Into Rugby program participants to junior Rugby clubs across the state is a shared responsibility between clubs and QRU delivery staff. Developing meaningful partnerships between Rugby clubs and Queensland schools will be rewarding over the coming 18 months.”
The Sporting Schools funding program has been a significant driver for primary school Rugby Sevens participation also. With a high number of schools accessing Sporting Schools funding to “Get Into Rugby” through the highly popular Q7s events throughout the year. The funding provides Queensland schools with direct access to support with qualified staff providing the delivery of fun, safe introduction to Rugby Sevens and the non-contact format of Touch 7s.
The Sporting Schools program is now in its sixth year of operation and continues the support of post COVID-19 slowdown in sport participation and seek to provide eligible primary schools with up to $3600 in funding each school term. Additionally, secondary school are in line for u to $2500 per school term to provide opportunities to get students active, engaged and having fun while sampling Rugby based activities.
Get Into Rugby and Touch 7s provides schools with the opportunity to get involved in fun safe and inclusive sporting program to get children active, whilst encouraging the developing lifelong attachment to sport and staying physically active through life.
Applications for the Get Into Rugby Sporting Schools Program are now open for Term 3.
Find out more or apply for Sporting Schools funding here.
Closing Date: Friday, 4 June (8:00PM).
