The Rugby Football Union’s All Schools’ Programme and Baildon Rugby Union Club’s Schools’ Rugby Programme are making an impact in the community.

Baildon hosted a number of local primary schools for their first School Rugby Festival Day, giving an opportunity to bring the successful work of the TAG Rugby Primary School Programme to the club, and seeing Year Five children put their understanding of the game into practice.

The sun was out and the skies were blue at Jenny Lane as 120 children from Baildon Church of England Primary School and Sandal Primary School descended on the club.

A morning of game-based coaching gave all the children a chance to develop their rugby-based skills alongside their game understanding.

This was also a great opportunity for the Sir Titus Salt School’s young leaders to deliver some coaching.

Since September, these pupils have been developing their coaching with the help of the RFU and Robbie Hill, Baildon’s rugby development officer.

The arrival of Glenaire Primary School meant that 150 children took part in Tag Rugby games during the afternoon, and the day was underpinned by the some of the RFU’s principles of teamwork, discipline, enjoyment, respect and sportsmanship.

The success of the festival would not have been possible without funding and support from Baildon Town Council, who helped pay for the equipment; Andy Pollard, who also gave his time and support to making sure the festival was a success; the RFU’s Dave Duxbury, who coached Titus Salt’s young leaders; and lastly, the schools and the children.

Year Three, Four and Six Rugby Festival Days are planned at Baildon in the near future.