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Community-based rugby has scored another try recently as a North Glasgow team took on the Clydebank Titans RFC.
ng homes alongside community partners Partick Thistle Charitable Trust (PTCT) and HomelessRugby set out to develop a community-based team to re-introduce touch rugby to the area.
This followed a visit from former HomelessRugby Scotland players Stuart Ferguson and Sheena Bell and by the Glasgow Warriors Community Engagement Manager.
Many of those participating had never played rugby before but, following a few weeks of training and small games, the North Glasgow based team took on the Clydebank Titans RFC.
Greg Cann, Project Manager at ng homes said “our goal for this initiative was to try to remove some of the barriers which limit access to sports and physical activity for disadvantaged groups, and we’re delighted to see our touch rugby team off to such a great start.”
Jonny Brown (front row, far left) from Partick Thistle Charitable Trust with players from the North Glasgow team on match day.
Community-based sport provides opportunities for tenants and residents to get involved in physical activity, benefit from personal development and offers a stepping-stone to employment.
Over the years, ng homes has worked with the School of Hard Knocks and Pitstops to eliminate barriers to participation including the development of successful touch rugby squads, led by HomelessRugby CIC.
Sadly, the Covid-19 pandemic brought an end to this work, with squads disbanding. An opportunity to deliver rugby-based skills as a warmup session for PTCT’s Accepting Activity football sessions arose this past summer and the new team was formed.
Jonny Brown, Head of Community Coaching at Partick Thistle Charitable Trust, added “The feedback has been fantastic after these sessions and coaches have noticed many of the group gaining confidence through the sport, many having never played rugby before!”
“Our participants went from scoring goals to scoring tries and the smiles on their faces were just as big. Thank you to all who took part for giving our participants a day to remember.”
Following their match again the Clydeside Titans, weekly sessions will continue with the hope of recruiting more players leading to small fixtures across Scotland, a new Scotland squad and a HomelessRugby event in the UK.
For more information on touch rugby in North Glasgow or to get involved, please contact homelessrugbycic@gmail.com
