School’s grant will help rugby talent

Jun 23 2009 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

AN AFTER-SCHOOL rugby club at Stanley Primary School is to be given a new lease of life after its players became the latest beneficiaries of a Scottish Government scheme.

The 2014 Communities initiative is designed to create a sporting legacy off the back of the Commonwealth Games, to be held in Glasgow in five years’ time.

Run in conjunction with the Big Lottery Fund, the programme of grants offers local sports clubs, community groups and schools the chance to claim windfalls of between £300 and £1,000.

It is hoped the school’s 105 pupils will benefit from the new equipment, including tackle bags and agility poles, by the end of the current term in July, once it has all been sourced and fitted.

Stanley PS headteacher, Elspeth Higgins, said: “Everyone at the school is delighted to have an extended bank of resources promoting fitness for all the pupils in the school.

“We really appreciate the work of all those involved, particularly one member of our parents’ council, Jane Campbell, who applied for the grant on the school’s behalf,” she said.

North Tayside MSP John Swinney said he was “delighted” at the prospect of the village school nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.

He said: “I am delighted to see the school receive this award. It’s encouraging to see the hard work of the teachers and volunteers who support the rugby club idea being rewarded for their hard work.

“I hope that by seeing the success of Stanley Primary School, other schools and organisations will be encouraged to take part in the scheme,” he said.

This year the 2014 Communities programme has set aside £500,000 and further cash will be made available every year until the Glasgow showpiece gets underway.

Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart added: “This initiative should be welcomed as it will stand us in good stead and encourage local participants to enter the Commonwealth Games.

“Taking part in sport will help our young people develop social skills and improve their health and well-being.

“I am delighted that one of the schools in my constituency has benefited from this and I hope that this will be replicated by others in Perthshire,” he added.