Northampton Saints Foundation has introduced Rugby Reading Champions, an innovative literacy initiative developed in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust. This groundbreaking programme is designed to reignite reading interest and improve literacy skills among young learners by harnessing the thrill and values of rugby.
Addressing a pressing concern highlighted by the National Literacy Trust’s 2023 survey, which reported that only 28% of children aged eight to 18 engage in daily reading — the lowest level of reading enjoyment since the survey’s inception in 2005 — Rugby Reading Champions aims to make a difference. By offering a dynamic, rugby-themed approach to reading, the programme is poised to reverse this downward trend.
Targeted at children aged nine to 11 who are struggling with reading proficiency, the programme delivers engaging, 10-week sessions. These activities are carefully crafted to enhance reading comprehension, build confidence, and cultivate a genuine passion for books. By incorporating the spirit of rugby into literacy education, students experience a unique, memorable blend of learning and play.
Liam Welch, Education Lead at Northampton Saints Foundation, said:
“Partnering with the National Literacy Trust allows us to roll out this essential programme and strengthen our curriculum-based interventions. From schools to alternative education settings across Northamptonshire and beyond, Rugby Reading Champions will become a key asset in empowering our young learners.”
The highlights of the Rugby Reading Champions programme include:
- What Makes a Rugby Reading Champion: shaping confident, engaged readers.
- The Impact of Reading: empowering students to inspire their peers.
- Champion Skills Development: fostering skills in observation, clue analysis, and critical thinking.
- Core Literacy Skills: focused on information retrieval, inference, and group discussion.
- Exploring Reading Types: understanding the diverse purposes of reading.
- Interactive Group Reading: weekly book sessions featuring Combat Zone by Tom Palmer.
- Rugby Values in Literacy: emphasising teamwork, respect, discipline and sportsmanship.
- Achievement Recognition: celebrating reading milestones together.
- Future Aspirations: inspiring students to dream big, whether as rugby players or devoted readers.
Northampton Saints Foundation is looking for partners and supporters to help expand the reach of this impactful programme.
To learn more about Rugby Reading Champions or explore other educational initiatives, visit the website at www.northamptonsaintsfoundation.org or contact Liam Welch at liam.welch@northamptonsaintsfoundation.org
