RugbyWA is thrilled to announce Gooseberry Hill Primary School are the winners of the Junior Force Experience Rugby Development Package!
Launched in April 2024, the Junior Force Experience was introduced to bring rugby to as many students as possible. It encouraged teachers to bring rugby to their schools, to assist in providing junior participants in their rugby journeys.
In June, Churchlands Primary School won the opportunity to take to the field at the final Western Force home game of 2024 against the Brumbies as part of the Junior Force Experience.
Gooseberry Hill Primary School was selected as the recipient of the Junior Force Experience Rugby Development Package for 2024.
“It’s very, very exciting,” Gooseberry Hill Principal, Judith Pescodd said. “To have the rugby package coming here means that rugby union is going to be highlighted at a school-based level, which is grassroots, which is where we want it happening.”
“It’s a huge opportunity for our school to get kids involved in rugby,” Physical Education Teacher, Jarrad Blight said.
“We’ve gone from a school that has less than five rugby balls to one that will now get a heap of equipment, which will allow us to teach rugby to the kids more often and hopefully feed them into high schools down the track.”
Gooseberry Hill Primary will receive equipment including balls and hit shields, in addition to teaching resources and future investment in rugby education.
“Rugby is a great platform for teaching kids,” Blight said.
“It’s such a great sport, it fits in with our curriculum really well and the kids really, really enjoy it. That’s the main thing, making sure kids have fun while they’re doing sport, because those memories will last, stay with them forever and hopefully keep them involved in rugby.”
Bringing rugby into the school and increasing student exposure will be great in involving students in a multicultural community, Principal Pescodd said.
“I’m hoping to see more students coming through in WA that will then be able to participate in the Western Force and then onto our national team, the Wallabies.”
“The pathways are endless for them, and it also promotes good teamwork and resilience.”
RugbyWA’s Schools Program aims to bring rugby to schools throughout Western Australia and is excited to work with Gooseberry Hill Primary to increase student engagement in rugby.
“RugbyWA is proud to bring rugby to schools throughout Western Australia,” RugbyWA General Manager – Rugby, Dane Lazarus, said.
“Assisting schools such as Gooseberry Hill Primary in growing the game is incredibly important, exposing more students to rugby, as well as driving community connection and encouraging passionate involvement in the sport.”
“We are thrilled to award Gooseberry Hill Primary School with the Junior Force Rugby Development Package, and to work with the school in their continuing rugby journey.”
Congratulations to Gooseberry Hill Primary School!
