As part of the ‘Rugby for All’ initiative, Power NI and former Italy international Ian McKinley have been visiting four mixed ability and tag rugby teams across Northern Ireland to find out a bit more about the sport, the people involved and what the future holds as the sport continues to grow.
Power NI, is part of Energia Group, who are the Official Energy Partner of the IRFU
One of the outputs of the visit is a three-part video series, showing McKinley’s visits to Ballymoney Blue Jays, Portadown Panthers, Newforge Taggers and Malone Tornadoes.
He chats to the coaches, the parents, the volunteers and the players themselves about what it means to be part of the team and the positive impact this has had on the families.
It’s hoped that by showcasing the positive impact the sport is having on all those involved, that it will continue to grow not only in Ulster, but across the four provinces of Ireland.
Episode 1 (The Present)
Ian McKinley finds out more about the establishment of each of the clubs and chats to the parents, coaches and volunteers about what the club means to them.
Episode 2 (The People)
Throughout this episode, we learn more about the positive impact the sport has on the families involved, and what it means to be part of the rugby community.
Episode 3 (The Future)
In the final episode, we look a little closer at what the future holds for mixed ability and tag rugby in Northern Ireland. With the upcoming World Cup next year, the clubs have a lot to look forward to as the sport continues to evolve.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
This project really shines a light on the sense of community and inclusivity mixed ability and tag rugby brings to the families of those who get involved, as well as the coaches and everyone playing their part. We featured the Rugby for All initiative as part of last year’s Sport for Social Good Conference and it is great to see it it thriving.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
More numbers, more groups, a more structured system of mixed ability tag festivals around the country…
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