From School to Scrum

Rugby has its feet firmly planted in Cornish soil, welcoming all types of people from every class and every ability. No matter what age you are, it’s a great idea to become part of a team, get some exercise, and improve your mental and physical wellbeing.

The Redruth community plays a significant role in the town’s successes, and the schools and RFC (Rugby Football Club) brings everyone together. Redruth prides itself for the opportunities young people have, enabling them to go all the way to the top.  

Made In Redruth spoke to James Murray, the rugby and sports coordinator for the Terry Pryor Trust, about his role in encouraging children to join a sport in the Redruth area.  

After graduating from Cardiff Met University, James came back to his home town to help provide quality coaching and the benefits that come with playing a sport to the community. He said: “Redruth and rugby have always been a big part of my life, whether that’s through school, friends or family.”  

When we talked about the importance of having a team in your local town and getting kids involved from an early age, James sees that as extremely beneficial mentally and physically, as right from the get go they get a sense of support. 

“The skills we gain from rugby are always transferable to life, whether that’s teamwork or commitment, you walk away with a family for life,” he added.  

The Redruth Learning group teamed with the Terry Pryor Trust, opens up opportunities to local young people wanting to get involved and find a passion they enjoy in such a remote Cornish town. The amount of young people getting involved in sports like rugby has skyrocketed, whether that’s through the school, the rugby or youngsters with the Rugby Tots. The aim is to find something for everyone to enjoy as James explained. “It doesn’t have to be rugby, as long as you find a team you feel at home with you will have the best time possible.” 

However, the friends James made at the local RFC have become some of his closest lifelong friends and he couldn’t recommend joining the Redruth Rugby club enough. “It’s such a supportive and friendly group of people with an amazing amount of players already. 

“The local teams mini and junior section already includes 400 youths from Redruth and surrounding areas all getting together to play a game they love,” said James.  

“Rugby has something for everyone, whether you want to get stuck in or take it easy, you will feel so welcomed. There will always be a strong sense of community with many opportunities for engagement, but the main thing is that you enjoy it because it is fun.”

For more information see the key facts below and go to www.rugbytots.co.uk

WORDS
SCARLETT STONE
ILLUSTRATIONS
ETHAN SMITH-SCOTLAND