Leicester Tigers newly-formed local club – The Swifts - celebrated the end of season with a trip to Welford Road last week. 

The team, based within black, Asian and minority ethnic communities around Leicester, enjoyed a day out behind the scenes at Welford Road including a stadium tour, a classroom workshop and a tag rugby coaching session on the nearby Nelson Mandela Park. 

Young players from Krishna Avanti primary school have been hosting free coaching sessions for boys and girls aged between 7-10 years old organised by Tigers community coaches. 

In these sessions, kids are introduced to the sport and taught the rugby basics with the group then invited to come and play in a competitive match on the pitch during half-term at a Tigers home game.

The Swifts played in their first-ever tag rugby match in front of more than 23,000 fans when Tigers welcomed Newcastle Falcons to Welford Road last April. 

Sam Johnston, Tigers inclusive rugby development officer who runs the programme, said: “Through The Swifts club, children from all backgrounds have been able to take advantage of some great opportunities. 

“From learning advanced rugby skills to experiencing a matchday here at Welford Road, we’re hugely excited to build and expand The Swifts community. 

“Our goals next year will be to host even more free coaching sessions and are already talking with staff at Krishna Avanti Primary School, Sacred Heart Catholic Voluntary Academy and Mayflower Primary School.”

Tigers FREE tag rugby coaching sessions take place from September 17 at Goals on Wakerley Road (LE5 4WJ) every Monday from 4.30pm – 5.30pm.

To find out more about The Swifts or getting involved, please contact Sam Johnston on [email protected] or call 0116 2171328.