Old Mutual International is supporting England Rugby’s Old Mutual Wealth Kids First scheme on the Island which provides a fun way for children to learn the game at their school or local club.
 
Aimed at boys and girls aged from six to 13, the scheme puts children first by developing the skills of coaches so that they can create great rugby environments which inspire children to stay involved in the game for longer. More than 500 clubs and schools in England have already signed up to the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Pledge which is a commitment to support the principles of the scheme.

Now, thanks to sponsorship from Old Mutual International, the scheme will be introduced into local schools to grow junior player numbers here on the Island, with the long-term goal being to increase player numbers at all Isle Man clubs. 

Douglas RUFC is the first club to sign up to the Kids First Pledge. Carl Murray, the club’s Rugby Development Officer, said: “Kids First provides an excellent introduction to rugby. The emphasis is on fun and enjoyment, incorporating the core values of the game, which develops children’s confidence and life skills beyond the sports field. After a successful 2016/17 season at senior level, and support from Old Mutual International, Douglas RUFC is excited to facilitate a programme that will create a greater rugby culture on the Isle of Man by growing the game at grassroots level.”

Chris Brannigan, Isle of Man Rugby Development Officer with England Rugby, welcomed Old Mutual International’s support for the scheme and added: “We have been a supporter of the Kids First approach through our coaching and coach education programmes since its introduction to England Rugby, but it is great that we can now link it all together with an Island-based branch of the scheme, thanks to OId Mutual International’s support. It’s a scheme that really focuses on being child centred, not coach centred, and I’m sure that the inclusive, fun approach will be a hit with kids at schools and all of our Island based clubs.”

Old Mutual International – which employs over 450 people here in the Isle of Man – is part of Old Mutual Wealth, a leading wealth management business overseeing ?127.3 billion in customer investments (as at 30 June 2017).
 
Old Mutual Wealth is part of Old Mutual plc, a FTSE 100 group that provides life assurance, asset management, banking and general insurance.
 
Schools and rugby union clubs taking part in Kids First will have information for parents whose children want to get involved, or they can contact Chris Brannigan, Isle of Man Rugby Development Officer with England Rugby, at chrisbrannigan@rfu.com.
 
Photo - Old Mutual International is supporting England Rugby’s Old Mutual Wealth Kids First scheme in the Isle of Man. Pictured is a Kids First session in England where more than 500 clubs and schools have already signed up to the Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Pledge which is a commitment to support the principles of the scheme.