Leicester Tigers summer recruit EW Viljoen and club mascot Welford were on hand to support the launch of a new initiative to support a pilot project for local schools to improve children’s health.
Leicester’s four professional sports team have come together to deliver a Premier League Professional Footballer's Association (PLPFA) funded scheme which will see coaches working in two primary schools during a 30-week programme.
South African Viljoen joined Leicester Tigers community officers Charlie Hurley and Sam Swift to take a rugby session at the Morningside Arena for pupils from Hazel Primary and Taylor Road Primary.
The project supports Leicester City Council’s Active Leicester’s aim of getting 20,000 people more active and the long-term goal of Cities Changing Diabetes of reducing levels urban type 2 diabetes.
Sam Swift, “A new health initiative, backed by the diabetes centre in Leicester backed by the cities four professional clubs as key role models in a health change across the city.
“We, as a collective, were aware of the growing obesity rates in young children across the county and we're the best source to help tackle it.”
“The kids will take part in a full-days activity once a week, led by coaches from all four clubs with theory and practical sessions to get them active, with the research helping to drive the programme further.”
Leicester Tigers alongside Leicester City FC, Leicestershire County Cricket and Leicester Riders have already committed to signing a city-wide “diabetes pledge” and will support the Leicester City Council health agenda, supported by Leicester Changing Diabetes, as part of the Cities Changing Diabetes global initiative.
Find out more about Leicester Tigers community projects, including the club’s own Global Payments Healthy Schools programme by clicking the link below.
