The Leicester Tigers community team recently held a special event at Ellesmere College delivering mixed ability rugby and wheelchair rugby sessions to children aged between 14-18 as part of the Project Rugby programme.

Ellesmere College is a large special school on the outskirts of Leicester City with places for 285 students. The college caters for students aged 4-19 with a range of special educational needs ranging from moderate to severe and complex needs.

More than 50 student took part all enjoying a positive Tigers experience, which saw the team adapt variations of rugby to engage and inspire the youngsters.

Through The Tigers Foundation, the club is now offering Ellesmere College regular sessions with the aim of continuing to grow a passion for rugby, sport and Leicester Tigers. 

Sam Johnston, Leicester Tigers special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) officer, said: "To have any opportunity to come to a school like Ellesmere to promote inclusive sport is a real privilege for us at Leicester Tigers foundation, as we want to try and break down as many barriers as possible while out in the community.

"Every child that participated engaged extremely well which makes our job so rewarding. Seeing over 50 students aged between 14-18 taking the opportunity to take part in rugby and wheelchair rugby was great especially knowing this could spark a passion for sport and allow for more opportunities that The Tigers Foundation can provide for these young people."