WALKING rugby is the latest sport to touch down in Bromsgrove as the town vies to become a centre of excellence.
The Walking Sports team have teamed up with Worcester’s Warriors Community Foundation. Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club and the district council to launch the latest slowed down version of the sport (inclusive, touch rugby).
The Warriors Community Foundation is a registered charity and is the official Worcester Warriors charity.
Sessions will be held on Fridays from 12.30pm to 1.30pm, starting on May 7 on the lower field AstroTurf at Bromsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club..
Alan Gormley, the owner of Bromsgrove’s Walking Sports Centre, said he was absolutely thrilled with the link up with the Warriors Foundation which would be funding the project, covering the cost of the pitch, equipment, and coaching.
That enables those who want to play walking rugby to do so for free.
“At the sessions we will have a safe, secure environment where everyone will be able to fully enjoy the experience whether they have played before or not.
“Touch rugby is a well-established version of the game and is ideally suited to Walking Rugby.”
Alan added he was excited to have Bromsgrove Rugby Club on board.
“This aligns us with our Walking Football and Walking Hockey model where we have the town’s premier clubs – Bromsgrove Sporting FC and Bromsgrove HC with us too.”
Walking football and hockey sessions have already started and the centre is now planning to restart walking netball at the Ryland Centre and accelerate plans to reintroduce walking cricket and rounders.
Chris Stephenson, from the Worcester Warriors Community Foundation, said everyone was excited about the project and the group had been looking for a while to start a walking rugby team.
“After seeing Alan’s passion and excitement for the project we knew it would ensure success.
“Within the foundation we believe that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in sports without any barriers.”
Dan Protherough, Bromsgrove Rugby Football Club added: “Bromsgrove Rugby Club are delighted to be involved in this project which we will actively promote within both our membership and the local community.
“Anything that helps promote lifelong activity is huge benefit both from physically and socially and can have a hugely positive impact on people’s mental health.”
Bromsgrove District Council’s sports development officer Sam Flatley, said: “The walking sports scene in Bromsgrove has gone from strength to strength. “We’re proud to be a part of the next step and to be working with such enthusiastic partners.
“As a council service, it is important to us that everyone has access to sports, clubs and activities that can help them keep fit and healthy, no matter their age or ability.
“Walking sports are inclusive, fun and invaluable in supporting residents’ physical and mental wellbeing.”
For more on Bromsgrove’s Walking Sports and to sign up to the sessions email Alan Gormley at [email protected] or call him on 07731 369942.
