Category: Community Department

ACE Academy launch

BIG NAMES LAUNCH NEW ACADEMY

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

International rugby stars Alex Lowzoski and John Gallagher launched our ambitious new rugby academy on August 21st. The ACE Academy, a joint venture with the city’s Archbishop’s School, is based on a Rugby Football Union pathway programme designed to transition academy players into professional rugby. It aims to provide a facility for local children which removes all socio-economic barriers facing local students.

Saracens and England centre Lozowski and World Cup winning New Zealand All Black full back Gallagher performed the official honours before meeting some of the first students at the Academy, club officials, Archishop’s school senior staff and sponsors. Our Head of Player Pathway, Nathan Morris, who will lead the Academy’s community coaching team, said: “The aim of the ACE academy is dualistic, we wish to provide high-quality coaching as well as creating opportunities for the young people of East Kent. We have been very lucky to have great support from our sponsors who will also support the students with work experience and career advice.”

Together with Nathan, the academy will be run by coaches Matt Corker, Alice Hayward and Ella Jenkins.

Archbishop’s School provides education for 750 mixed ability students aged from 11 to 19. Welcoming the new initiative Head Teacher David Elliott said: “The school is proud to partner with Canterbury Rugby Football Club to introduce the Archbishop’s Canterbury Educational (ACE) Rugby Academy from September 2024. Our new partnership will offer unique opportunities for our higher year students. The Academy programme will further enhance our sports offer at the school.

“This new venture perfectly aligns with our vision which enables students to flourish. Engaging with Canterbury Rugby Club, our students will learn and grow and we are confident this partnership will be transformative for all involved.”

The Academy is a major addition to the club’s commitment to providing opportunities for everyone in the local community through a series of exciting new programmes for local schools.

Community rugby initiative funded

Posted on | by Denys Andrianjafy

We are thrilled to announce that one of our partners, Canterbury Christ Church University, has secured funding for a new inclusive rugby initiative to encourage active living and community engagement. The project aims to promote active living and community engagement through the introduction of touch rugby sessions.

The free touch rugby sessions are open to individuals of all skill levels, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants. This initiative aligns with the Canterbury Christ Church University’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community bonds through sports and recreational activities, and Canterbury Rugby Club’s sport for all and one club ethos. Sessions will be hosted at the Canterbury Rugby Club every Friday evening, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

The Touch Rugby Project will be spearheaded by University student and sports scholar, Ella Jenkins. Taking on the role of Touch Rugby Project Officer, Ella will dedicate 10 hours per week to support the development and execution of the project.

Nathan Morris, head of player pathway at Canterbury Rugby Club and first team player, said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to bring our community together through the love of the game”.

“This initiative not only promotes getting more active but also strengthens the bonds between our club and the broader community,” he said.

Paul Carney, Director of Sport at Canterbury christ church University added “I am thrilled to be part of an initiative that encourages more people to be active. Touch rugby is a fantastic sport and our superb women’s rugby community is already very friendly and supportive; the funding from the Rugby Football Union will help extend this opportunity even further. I am eager for our team to contribute to its success in our community.”