Northampton Saints Foundation is thrilled to announce the launch of "Rugby Reading Champions," a new literacy program developed in partnership with the National Literacy Trust to improve reading skills and enthusiasm for young students through the unique engagement of rugby.
The programme aims to tackle the pressing issue of declining reading enjoyment and proficiency among children, especially given the 2023 findings from the National Literacy Trust. These findings revealed the lowest levels of reading enjoyment among young people since the survey began in 2005. Currently, only 28% of children and young adults aged 8-18 read daily, marking a steep 26% decline in recreational reading since 2005.
"Rugby Reading Champions" is targeted toward children aged 9-11 who are falling behind expected reading levels. Over a 10-week course, the programme offers interactive sessions that build core reading comprehension skills while boosting students’ confidence, motivation, and overall enjoyment of reading. By fostering literacy through the excitement of rugby, Northampton Saints Foundation aims to create an impactful, memorable learning experience for young readers.
“We are grateful to the National Literacy Trust for enabling us to launch this vital programme and integrate it into our diverse curriculum-based interventions," said Liam Welch, Education Lead at Northampton Saints Foundation. "Our programmes reach schools and alternative settings across Northamptonshire and surrounding areas, and ‘Rugby Reading Champions’ will be a valuable addition to the support we offer students.”
For more information on "Rugby Reading Champions" or any of Northampton Saints Foundation’s school-based initiatives, please visit Northampton Saints Foundation Programmes or contact Liam Welch at [email protected].
Sources: Statistics sourced from the National Literacy Trust’s report, Reading in 2023.
