RUGBYSTAR VISITS WREKIN ANDOLD HALL

Just days before the Six Nations kicked off aShropshire school welcomed in arugby legend for aseries of motivational talks and coaching sessions.

Former Welsh rugby International player Scott Quinnell visited Wrekin College just two days before England and Wales stepped out for their opening games of the tournament.

Scott, now anationally-renowned rugby commentator and motivational speaker,talked to pupils about his experience with dyslexia and how he refused to let it impact his ambitions to play sports for his country

The school invited children who have adiagnosis of dyslexia, show possible signs of dyslexia, or face challenges when it comes to learning to join aspecial workshop. Many of those taking part have also shown akeen interest in sport.

Both boys and girls were involved from across the year groups.

During the event Scott joined a coaching session for theU14 players and met with the school’s 1stXV.

Children as young as 10 from Old Hall School were also given thechance to meet with Scott.

“Children are inspired when they get to hear from those who have faced similar issues to themselves and have gone on to succeed and to achieve ambitions that sometimes may seem out of reach,” said Darran Tunnah, Head of Support for Learning and DSL at Wrekin College.

“Wewere so delighted to welcome Scott for this visit particularly as excitement built for the Six Nations and the game of rugby stepped into the spotlight.

“Sport is agreat motivator for those who want to challenge themselves in the classroom. Having apositive time on the playing field can boost achild’s confidence. We do want to encourage that relationship and Scott,as patron of the Welsh Dyslexic Association,has been pivotal in terms of raising awareness and encouraging young people to see it is no barrier to anything they may want to achieve.

“Allowing people to talk about challenges they may face and to hear from others on how they have overcome those challenges is awonderful thing to be able to do and particularly important for schools to encouragethose opportunities.”

Scott started playing rugby for Llanelli Juniors at eight years old going on to play for Wales 52 times, scoring 12 tries during that time.

He joined the British Lions tours in 1997 and 2001 and now works within the media appearing on shows such as Sky Sports, Real Radio, The One Show and AQuestion of Sport.

Jonathan Mather,Director of Rugby at Wrekin College,said the coaching session looked at the role of forward play from aset piece.

“It is an exciting time for rugbysothis was an excellent opportunity for many of our keenest players to gain an insight into what it takes to play at the highest level.” n Youcan find out more about Wrekin at itsOpen Morning on Saturday,March 18. Book online at www.wrekincollege.com

We are officially EXCELLENT in all areas (ISI Inspection Nov 22) Whole SchoolOpenDay

Thursday9th March

All through, all girl ages 4-18 Girls first. Always.

Arrange your visit at shrewsburyhigh.gdst.net