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Tigers first-ever BAME team play at Welford Road

Leicester Tigers welcomed youngsters from it's newly-formed Tigers community team - The Swifts - to Welford Road last week, as they played their first ever competitive match in front of more than 23,000 fans.

The Swifts team consisted of year 4 pupils from black, Asian and ethnic minority communities (BAME) and playing a 10-a-side tag rugby match against opponents from Krishna Avanti Primary School during half-time at Tigers final home match of the season last weekend.

As part of Premiership Rugby’s ‘Project Rugby’ initiative, Leicester Tigers are the first Premiership club to form a competitive BAME team within the community.

Driving the participation of black, asian, minority ethnic (BAME) groups to rugby, The Swifts enjoy free coaching from Leicester Tigers community team with the aim of the new club eventually being run by members of the community.

Sam Johnston, inclusive rugby development officer at Tigers, said: “The Swifts team is all about encouraging new communities to the sport of rugby and the sharing the values associated with the game. We’re adopting rugby values as well as cultural values such as respect, discipline and family to drive the club forward.  

“We’ve had a really positive response from BAME communities to the new Swifts set-up and we hope experiences like playing at Welford Road today will only go on to inspire youngsters.

Denham Kite, principal at Krishna Avanti Primary School added: "It was brilliant for both sets of kids to be out there on the famous Welford Road pitch. The game was end-to-end and I hope will act as great inspiration for our pupils. 

“The Swifts and Project Rugby is something we’re keen to support and a huge thanks to Tigers rugby development officers, who have been in to the school to offer free rugby sessions and given the community the opportunity to try out rugby.”

Youngsters can benefit from FREE weekly coaching sessions on Mondays from 4.30pm - 5.30pm on the 3G facilities at New College, Glenfield Road, Leicester, LE3 6DN.

Find out more at about The Swifts by visiting the link below.