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Al Yasmina School to reap UAE Touch rugby benefits
The growth of touch rugby in the UAE has received a significant boost at youth level after Al Yasmina School became officially affiliated to the UAE Touch Football Programme.
Al Yasmina has already played a major role in the increased presence of touch rugby in the Emirates having hosted the under-9 and under-11 Abu Dhabi Schools Super Touch Series, as well as the second round of the Abu Dhabi secondary school girls Touch tournament in recent months.
Their affiliation with UAE Touch will reap a number of benefits and will see the Abu Dhabi school’s pupils and teachers receive coaching from international accredited coaches, while being provided with resources consistent with Touch organizations around the world.
“This is another stepping stone in the right direction for UAE Touch,” President John Larkins said. “We are looking for our schools program in Abu Dhabi to double in size next year and more affiliating to UAE Touch.”
Al Yasmina School principal Darren Gale is delighted to be on board with UAE Touch, stressing the importance of sport in school for a child’s development.
“Sport plays an important role in the development of students’ skills and it is important that our students have access to high quality provisions,” Gale said. “Al Yasmina is committed to maximizing the learning of all its students.”
The school’s Director of Sport, Alex Smith, believes the introduction of Touch Rugby will prove to be of a long-term benefit for the pupils, not just in terms of developing rugby skills, but for their overall growth as people.
“Learning the basics of touch football at primary age will only benefit our students in the long term, not only the sport of rugby but their overall development and physical literacy,” Smith explained.
“One of my main goals as Director of Sport is to introduce sports that provide opportunities to increase participation across the school,” Smith added. “And with the UAE Touch academy targeting specific groups for upcoming National and International Schools fixtures I believe this program can help achieve this.”
Numerous touch rugby events will be hosted at Al Yasmina with programmes running throughout the summer and plans already in place for 2014.
For more information email j.larkins@uaetouch or go to the website www.uaetouch.ae
If you are unfamiliar with touch rugby, check out this video showcasing the sport at the highest level...
READ MORE:
- Abu Dhabi Schools launch first UAE Touch Rugby series
- UAE host inaugural all-girls touch rugby event
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