As schools begin the new academic year this week, Leeds Rhinos Foundation is preparing for what it hopes will be another record-breaking year.
The charity recognises the importance of children taking part and enjoying regular physical activity for both health and psychological benefits. During the last school year the charity supported 100 Leeds schools with their delivery of physical education to over to 6,000 children and young people.
In recent years their sports delivery in schools has expanded and the feedback from teachers has been that it is helping to engage more children.
Corpus Christi Primary is a school Leeds Rhinos Foundation have worked in for several years, and for their deputy head, Mr Doyle, the sport delivery is about more than just the sessions in the school, it’s about enthusing the children in physical activity to have a last impact on their lives.
“It’s fantastic to have Leeds Rhinos Foundation coming into our school,” Mr Doyle said. “It gets children involved and loving and enjoying their PE lessons, which is the most important thing – to give them a sport or an activity for life.”
Gareth Cook, community manager at Leeds Rhinos Foundation, said: “We have just celebrated a really successful year and we are proud to have highly skilled staff who have built positive relationships with the schools they work with.
“It’s rewarding to hear that schools see the benefits our work has on their students and also the teachers, with the career development work we offer them. We recognise not every child is interested in rugby league so are able to offer much more such as dance, orienteering and netball so all children have the chance to enjoy being active.”
For more information email gareth.cook@leedsrhinosfoundation.org