Dallaglio RugbyWorks is a charity, it delivers a programme using sports as an intervention for young people disengaged from education. It works with schools and uses a place-based approach working with Pupil Referral Units, Alternative Provision settings and in areas with high levels of deprivation and youth crime.
The challenge
Compared to some of the other young people, for his age and height Kevin was not as physically in shape – it became apparent that there is a lack of coordination, something that makes him limit his active participation in sports given the over-eagerness of his peers to keep games going and with a focus on winning rather than participation. As a result of this, Kevin can be verbally confrontational with other young people at times. The challenge involved Kevin coming out of his shell to inform his mentor on what was keeping him from taking part in sport. Unaware of the greater benefits to physical activity, Kevin did not know how vital it is for him as a young person to increase his activity levels to set him up for success for the future.
The solution
Getting to know young people and helping them overcome barriers, mental and/or physical, is crucial to participation in sport.
Going through the benefits of physical activity is also paramount with the focus on emotional and physical wellbeing and the use of sport to learn life skills and gain social skills, and less on the outcome of individual activities/games. With this knowledge, young people can make their own decisions and be the makers of their own success.
The impact
Kevin developed trust with his RugbyWorks mentor, opening up to him as the year progressed. He really took to the mentoring and started to take an active part in the group sports session. By the summer holidays Kevin had joined his local boxing club, training twice a week. Ben D (Deputy Head of School) is really grateful about the sessions with Kevin.
He highlighted the fact that Kevin is always very excited on Friday before his RugbyWorks coaches come in for the sessions. “He looks very relaxed and in a good place, Ben said.
How is the new approach being sustained?:
Dallaglio RugbyWorks delivers a programme using sports as an intervention for young people disengaged from education. The programme is delivered in schools and focuses on using sport to boost mental and physical wellbeing with a focus on participation. It is a year long term time programme in PRUs and APs as well as offering Evening and Holiday delivery to increase physical activity levels outside of school hours.
Lessons learned
The assumption that all young people are actively willing to take part in lessons, even those involving time outside of the classroom, whilst in school is not correct.
Young people are far more receptive to activities when there is trust built and a clear understanding of the benefits to them. Eg. Sport and physical activity is much more than ‘winning a game’.