Bath Rugby Foundation has teamed up with O2 Think Big and Jason Robinson as part of a new initiative to help unemployed 16-24 year olds gain work experience through rugby.
The programme will give 50 young people from across Wiltshire & Bath & North East Somerset the opportunity to participate in an in-depth six week training and career mentoring programme.
Delivered nationally by Think Big and locally by Bath Rugby Foundation, the programme will culminate with the young people putting their new found skills into practice by managing a series of touch rugby events across the UK, as part of the O2 Touch Tour.
The six week programme starts on 27th April with venues in Bath, Salisbury, Swindon and Trowbridge. Each hub will be led by Bath Rugby Foundation coaches and mentors.
Jason Robinson OBE and former England Rugby international will be supporting the training programme and sharing his expert knowledge of professional rugby both on and off the pitch.
As part of his sessions, Jason will be providing insight into the core values of rugby and how rugby helped him overcome difficulties in his life, as well as helping aspiring coaches with key training tips and routines.
Following the training programme, each young person will be appointed a role, working closely with a professional counterpart to become a crucial member of the team running the O2 Touch Tour.
The roles include everything from officials and events management, to marketing and sponsorship.
The series of events will see the young people bringing together the leadership and team skills they have learnt throughout the six weeks, as well as gaining practical work experience.
The O2 Touch Tour forms part of O2’s on-going commitment to bring rugby fans closer to the action as it calls on the entire country to Wear the Rose and get behind the England Rugby Team, demonstrating the power of support through grassroots rugby.
Starting in London on the 6th June, the tour will then travel to Loughborough on the 13th June and Bath on the 20th, before finishing in Manchester on the 11th July.
If you are aged between 16-24 and are not in employment, training or education, get in touch with Caryl Thomas for more information: [email protected] / 07964951819 or go online at www.gothinkbig.co.uk/tag/wear-the-rose.
