NHS Trust and Huddersfield Giants encourage Kirklees people to try touch rugby

Local people in Kirklees are being invited to come along and play in a special session of touch rugby league on Thursday 23rd May at the Zone in Huddersfield.

The session, which will involve non-contact touch rugby will teach people the skills and rules of rugby league and give them the opportunity to have a go themselves. The session will be run by coaches from Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and opened by Giants Business Development Manager Robbie Hunter-Paul.

The touch rugby session has been organised thanks to a new partnership between Huddersfield Giants Community Trust and South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which provides NHS mental health and learning disability services throughout Kirklees.

Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to come along and play, regardless of their skill level or knowledge of the game. Individuals or teams are welcome and people do not have to book their place.

The touch rugby session will be held on Thursday 23rd May, from 12 noon – 2pm at The Zone, St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield. Registration to play will start at 11am.

Mark Wisbey, a member of the Trust’s equality and inclusion team said, “As well as encouraging people from the local community to get involved in this session, we are inviting people who use our services to come along and try their hand at touch rugby.

“Getting involved in physical exercise such as a game of rugby has both psychological and physical benefits and it’s a great way of encouraging people to come out of the house and build up their social networks.

“The session will also be a great opportunity to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce stigma as people from different backgrounds will be brought together while playing the game.”

Glenn Holdsworth, Rugby development manager of the Huddersfield Giants Community Trust added “Touch rugby is an excellent way to meet new people, make friends and have a laugh.

“Touch rugby is a really fun version of the 13-a-side game that keeps you fit without going to the gym, it can be played indoors or outdoors and with no-contact there is no real risk of injury.”

For more information about the touch rugby league session contact Mark Wisbey at mark.wisbey@swyt.nhs.uk