It’s cold, it’s wet, it’s like any other Sunday morning in February. Except it isn’t. While most of us may be sleeping off the night before, our local community rugby clubs often spend their time unofficially competing with their local church as to who can make the most noise on a Sunday morning. A weekly contest between the local bellringers and an army of children & young people all frantically chasing each other around a muddy field, trying to ‘tag’, tackle or sometimes just hug their friend with the ball.
We’re all eagerly awaiting the day when rugby clubs, like so many other grassroots venues, can reopen their doors and we can all go back to shivering on the side lines, ordering a coffee and bacon roll to warm our hands as much as our rugby-loving hearts.
Until then, as part of our #ClubTogether campaign, The Harlequins Foundation have brought together some familiar faces from the Harlequins rugby family to share some insights and training tips to keep you on top of your game during lockdown. Make sure you follow The Harlequins Foundation on social media and stay tuned for tips on; how to stay well during lockdown, advice for aspiring players as well as some exciting skills challenges for you to try at home, all using the #ClubTogether.
The pandemic has impacted all of us differently, and no doubt we have all at some point found things tough to deal with. In partnership with the globally renowned men’s health charity, Movember, we are also offering grassroots clubs the opportunity to take part in our ‘Ahead of the Game’ programme.
Delivered by expertly trained members of The Harlequins Foundation, ‘Ahead of the Game’ involves a series of insightful workshops for grassroots players, coaches and parents, all aimed at promoting mentally healthy grassroots sports environments for young males to engage with. If you’d like to find out how your club can take part in this ground-breaking programme, please contact paul.wilson@nullquins.co.uk
On top of that, we will be hosting free weekly home workouts for young people aged 8-16. Joined by a special Harlequins guest each week, you’ll get the chance to test yourself against the best and even ask them some questions on what it’s like being a professional player in lockdown. Each session takes place on zoom, every Wednesday (5:00 – 5:30pm). You can sign up for free here – Weekly Workout Sign Up.
Finally, thanks to support from Premiership Rugby & Gallagher, we will be hosting a series of ‘Hero Calls’ with members of our Harlequins men’s and Women’s squads. Offering young people the chance to connect with some of their Harlequins heroes, hear about their experiences playing and training during lockdown as well as how they’ve learned to stay on top of their game during the pandemic. If you’d like to arrange a Hero Call for your school/ club, please contact matthew.williams@nullquins.co.uk for more info.