THE FINAL CBRE All Schools rugby union festival of the season was held at York RI’s New Lane ground and produced quality games between Year 7 and 8 teams from six local secondary schools.

The All Schools programme has been developed by the Rugby Football Union to increase the amount of rugby union in schools and to encourage new players to join local clubs.

As part of the initiative, the RFU provides qualified coaches to work with staff in local schools.

Alex Grieve is the RFU Community Rugby Coach for the York area and has been leading the All Schools programme in seven local schools – Archbishop Holgates, Selby High, Vale of York Academy, Huntington, Joseph Rowntrees, Millthorpe and York High.

"It’s all about supporting the schools to make sport as enjoyable as possible and giving students the opportunity to play Rugby Union outside of school," said Grieve.

"Rugby can help build confidence and understanding of teamwork. We are fortunate that we are able to work with great staff in the local schools and together make All Schools a huge success this season,"

Stu Goldsmith of Archbishop Holgates firmly supports the scheme, and said: "The programme has been fantastic and I would highly recommend every PE department to get involved if they have the chance.

"The input from the RFU coaches has been first class and this has had a positive impact on participation levels in lessons and at extra-curricular events."

School teams get the chance to showcase their skills and play at All Schools festivals staged clubs around the country.

This year 12 festivals have provided playing opportunities for no less than 600 boys and girls.

Mark Rampling, who has been running CBRE All Schools at Vale of York Academy, said: "We have seen students pick up the game from new and join local clubs and we have seen students have a thirst for the game.

"This is through the support of new equipment, support with after-school teaching, and the running of great festivals that we can bring our students to whatever the number. The programme has been developmental for us in the academy and we look forward to continuing the link."

As well as learning rugby skills, pupils at each school also had the opportunity to work as a team and produce a unique shirt design for their school.

Canterbury Sports, which is a supporter of the programme, then produces a full set of shirts for each school.

As an added bonus, pupils were invited down to Twickenham and paraded their new shirts on the pitch prior to the recent England game against Italy.

Derek Block of Selby High said: "All the team players are excited about wearing the kit when they represent school and it has created a real sense of pride in their school team."

Plans are already in place for All Schools to continue next season.