Dragons set to expand community education scheme

Youngsters can get involved via open evenings at the Dragons' partner schools - which are currently Croesyceiliog, Llanwern & King Henry VIII - with more to hopefully be announced in the near future.

Having successfully utilised sport as a vehicle for learning over the past 14 years through primary education and sporting provisions, the Dragons are looking to expand and take a wider role in community education, whilst also further promoting participation in rugby and sport.

They will do so by implementing an exciting education programme throughout the region via Rugby Education Performance Centres, which is due to start in September 2015.

The hub partnerships will provide many positive opportunities and pathways for students to ensure maximum engagement and achievement for youngsters aged 16 or over who may be otherwise be disaffected or lost to education.

The aim is to use the Dragons brand to engage, retain and ultimately progress all the participants involved in the programme and to provide significant expertise and added value to the hub establishments.

Community manager Mike Sage said: "We are delighted to be extending our sporting provision into post-16 education, building on our past successes at primary level. The future is very exciting."

Through partnerships with local schools, the proposed programme will combine a high level sport provision with a BTEC course, offering high quality coaching and teaching excellence.

Delivered against the backdrop of a professional sports environment, this new project is will aim to ensure the highest possible outcomes in developing young adults into sport, coaching, higher education or at the very least set them on the path to securing long-term careers.

The region, which has entered into partnership with TVS Education Limited to utilise their experience in delivering education programmes, is aiming to attract at least 20 students at each partner hub to enable a ten-a-side fixture programme.

Contact community manager mike.sage@rodneyparadeltd.com for more information.

CONFIRMED SCHOOLS SO FAR

Croesyceiliog School Torfaen

Llanwern High School Newport

King Henry VIII School Monmouthshire

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