Kids sports tournament sets out to tackle more than just rugby
More than 80 youngsters preparing to start secondary school recently joined emergency services at a rugby tournament in Redruth for a day of fun, teamwork and positive engagement.
The event aimed to build connections with 10 and 11-year-olds, helping them make informed choices as they prepare for the move to secondary school and the opportunities and challenges that come with greater independence.
Young people from eight primary schools across the area came together to play matches against their peers ahead of their move to Year 7 in September.
The five-hour tournament, organised by Devon & Cornwall Police and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, took place on Thursday 16 July at Redruth Rugby Club.
Police Inspector Lou Brown said: "It was fantastic to see everyone having such a great time. Thank you to everyone who came along, including the local businesses and partners who donated food and drink and helped make the day possible.
"While the tournament was a fun and enjoyable experience for the young people involved, it also had an important purpose.
“It gave us an opportunity to engage with youngsters and share information that will help them make safe and informed decisions as they move into the next stage of their lives.
"Connecting with young people at an early stage like this is key to encouraging positive choices that can prevent them from becoming involved in crime or antisocial behaviour now or in the future.”
Dave Moyle, Firefighter from Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Red watch and on-call crews from Tolvaddon Community fire station were delighted to work in partnership with Devon & Cornwall Police to deliver this tag rugby festival for local Year 6 children at Redruth RFC.
“The event not only showcased Cornwall’s emergency services working together to provide the children with a fun filled rugby festival and vital safety advice before the summer holidays, but beyond this, the initiative was designed to deliver significant additional benefits, including social interaction, physical activity, teamwork, camaraderie, and the breaking down of barriers between young people and emergency services.”
Thank you to the following organisations for helping to make the event possible: RNLI for their attendance, Healthy Cornwall for coming and speaking with the kids and providing sideline games, Copper Jewellers for providing trophies cost price and McDonalds, Asda, Morrisons and Tesco.
Also a huge thank you to the Rapid Relief Team for providing refreshments and burgers on the day, Redruth Rugby Club for providing the facilities, Photographer Dave Wills who gave up his time, Nick Palmer who printed material for the event, Redruth School who gave us some fantastic Year 10 helpers to engage with the children and assist with the matches, Alex Ducker from Camborne Rugby Club for helping the kids warm up, and Rich Kevern from Redruth and Devon & Cornwall Police for refereeing during the day and presenting the trophies.
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