Fawley (29 June 2007) -- Girls and boys at one New Forest school have had the chance to have a go at playing rugby under the guidance of some expert coaches.

The children, aged seven, eight and nine from Cadland Primary School in Holbury, took part in a full day of rugby organised by one of their governors, and attended by the Rugby Football Union schools’ co-ordinator for this area and three volunteer coaches from Fawley Rugby Club. For many of the children it was the first time that they had played the game.

The day was made possible thanks to a £500 donation from Esso and ExxonMobil Chemical at Fawley, which will also go towards new sports equipment at the school.

The grant was awarded under a special scheme designed to recognise the efforts of ExxonMobil employees and their families who contribute their time, talent and energy to schools, charities and non-profit making organisations. The scheme not only helps local organisations, but also improves the links between ExxonMobil and the local community.

The grant applicant is team coach Paul Truman, a process operator at the refinery and a governor at the school.

He said: “It was wonderful to see so many children, both boys and girls, taking part in the game which I love. Rugby is a really good way of learning about working as a team and helps provide children with essential life skills, as well as being a brilliant way to keep fit.

“For a lot of the children it was the first time that they had played the sport and it was really satisfying to see the children having so much fun.”

Paul is involved in the Fawley Under 13 Rugby team, which trains every Sunday at the Waterside Sports and Social Club, in Long Lane opposite the refinery, between 10.15am and midday. Three other club volunteers also took part in coaching during the day.

The ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Programme at Fawley, together with its sister scheme for school governors, has so far contributed more than £300,000 to local community projects, since it was started four years ago.