Across the next two school terms, more than 27 schools will have fortnightly visits from the community team as part of their ‘Gateway’ project with pupils from the Gwent valleys also having the opportunity to visit Rodney Parade, tour the stadium, interview a player and enjoy a match through the ‘Region on the Road’ scheme.
“We’re very proud of our community partnership with Tata Steel,” commented Mike Sage Community Manager at the Dragons. “Over the years we have been able to engage and inspire thousands of local children due to our comprehensive partnership package.
"Tata Steel's continued support has also enabled our programmes to reach schools in the far reaches of our region which has added real value to our community delivery”
Over the next month the Region will also start an exciting new project with Value Added Education creating a pupil-led digital tour of the stadium. This is supported by providing incentives to the schools taking part (Pentrepoeth Primary, Newport and Ysgol Y Castell, Caerphilly), with 35 match tickets to a Dragons home match.
The Gateway Schools will also be competing in the Tata Steel TAG festivals in March to see which four schools makes it to the grand final. The Tata Steel TAG rugby final will then take place half time at the Dragons v Blues match, where the Tata Steel Phil James Memorial Challenge Cup and Phil James Memorial Shield will be presented to the winners.
“There’s a lot to look forward to in the next six months of our partnership,” commented Nia Singleton community liaison manager. “The development of the Dragons School programme has been fantastic and by working with schools in the wider Gwent region, we are certainly bringing rugby and sport to as many local kids as possible.”
