Communities across the Province will be able to benefit from a new community engagement programme which has been developed by Ulster Rugby and their new community partner, Phoenix Energy.
The Lineout Programme will see Ulster Rugby stand shoulder to shoulder with communities through a range of initiatives and activities, fuelled by Phoenix.
With a focus on inclusion and bringing rugby’s professional coaching, knowledge and expertise out for the benefit of all communities there is activity to benefit all ages throughout the Lineout Programme.
Ulster Rugby players will be teaming up with professional back room staff to deliver bespoke presentations on health and wellbeing, resilience and leadership in school assemblies as well as teaming up with Phoenix to identify unique volunteering opportunities where they can help make a real difference for community groups and organisations.
Bespoke coaching sessions for nominated grassroots rugby groups will also be a feature of the programme giving players of all abilities an opportunity to learn from our local best how to improve their game. The Ulster Rugby team will also be demonstrating their skills to communities through Open Training sessions hosted outside the home grounds to help inspire even more young people to get active and involved and to bring people together.
Speaking at the launch of the partnership, Kailash Chada, Chief Financial Officer at Phoenix Energy, said:
“Partnering with Ulster Rugby for the Lineout programme was a perfect match for us at Phoenix Energy because it’s all about community.
“There are so many attributes in sport that are vital for individuals and communities to develop, such as teamwork, resilience and communication, and we see the Lineout Programme and range of initiatives within it as an engaging way to share these skills with people of all ages and backgrounds right across Northern Ireland.
“We’re proud to support Ulster Rugby’s Lineout Programme and we see its’ potential to make a positive difference to communities as a result.”
Bryn Cunningham, Operations Director at Ulster Rugby, added:
“It’s really encouraging that Phoenix is supporting such an important aspect of what we’re doing as an organisation. Their support will help us to grow and prosper and together we can add real value to local communities.
“Ulster Rugby is more than just a professional team and it’s important that we continue to engage with people across the Province and open up opportunities for people from all backgrounds to play the game we love.
“We’re very fortunate that we have a great group of players who are keen to connect with their local communities, promote the values of rugby and ultimately make a difference in society.”