The Greater Rugby Communities program kicked off at Rugby Park earlier this month – and will wrap up on August 26.

But, in that time, a total of 75 boys and girls, from within and outside the club, were put through their paces.

“It’s been great,” Partridge said.

“Although we’ve had our under-7s training and playing on Friday evenings for the past eight years, this is our first crack at the new program. 

“And, we’d be keen to do it again.

“Greater Rugby Communities targets kids aged three to nine.

“It’s not only good fun but they learn about movement and working as a group.”

Todd Louden and colleague, Callan Walker, from not for profit organisation GRRA8, developed the Greater Rugby Communities Program.

It was part of a personal mission to tackle the decline in sports club participation and the increasing lack of movement by youngsters.

Louden said the program went “old school” to go forward. 

“We use fun, old-style school yard games such as ‘bugs and spiders’ and multiple ball types to firstly encourage enjoyment of and skills in movement in both girls and boys.

“Game basics such as catching, passing, running, kicking and tracking are also taught.”

He said the initiative was based on best practice participation and performance structures.

A unique element of the program is concurrent sessions for parents and sporting club officials. 

Topics include youth health and wellbeing, mentoring and leadership as well as financial planning and management to help boost club sustainability. 

“The program supports all sports with a focus on regional and country centres,” Louden said.

“My experience with coaching kids and coaching at the top level is that as people increasingly spend time on devices we are seeing an increase in incomplete basic movement skills,” he explained.

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ General Social Survey shows that the sports participation rate fell from 74 per cent to 70 per cent between 2010 and 2014 and that people in regional areas are less likely to play or watch sport than in major cities.

“Heart Foundation data shows that only 19 per cent of Australian children and young people, aged 5-17 years meet the physical activity recommendations.”

Greater Bank Singleton branch lending manager Kelly Hourn said the local Greater Bank team backed the program because sport improved health, taught kids skills and brought communities together.

“As a customer-owned bank, our focus is on supporting the local community,” she said.

For those locals who missed out, Louden announced that a new four-week clinic would start on October 14 in Pokolbin through the local rugby club. 

Register throughhttp://grra8.com.au/