Hopping Hill Primary School was thrilled to receive enough tag rugby equipment for a squad of 30 players from the newly formed Old Northamptonians Benevolent Fund completely free of charge. Andy Thompson, Chairman of the ONRFC Benevolent Fund, handed over the equipment to Sarah Gresty, PE Coordinator of the school, and within minutes the kit had been unpacked and was being used by budding rugby players on the school field. Sarah said that the school and pupils were delighted that the ONs were able to provide the equipment and that it would make a real difference to everyone.

For more information on the Old Northamptonians Benevolent Fund email andythompson@talktalk.net

When asked how the Fund had heard that Hopping Hill would be interested in new rugby equipment, Andy said “it was during a completely non related rugby training session that I spoke to Ben Briddon of Next Generation Sports about rugby in primary schools and how the ONRFC Benevolent Fund might be able to help out in specific situations. I am also a qualified rugby coach and respect the coaching talents and views of Next Generation Sports and I knew that any recommendation from them meant the kit would be put to good use”.

Andy also went on to say “there are few games better than rugby at teaching team spirit and encouraging a work ethic, and although rugby is a relatively cheap sport in comparison to many others, there are costs associated with playing, training, coaching, and even recovering from injury. We will endeavour to help those that need our support where
we can.”