BCOT rugby award

12:51pm Tuesday 8th April 2008

RUGBY at Basingstoke College of Technology has received national recognition.

The Community Rugby College Award comes from the sport's national governing body, the Rugby Football Union, for the successful partnership with Basingstoke rugby club.

Together they have created a formal agreement to use the club equipment and facilities and work with the community rugby coach to deliver coaching sessions.

The college was also recognised for giving students the opportunity to study rugby courses such as refereeing and sports leaders awards.

BCOT also worked closely with Hampshire rugby development officer Jon Brookstein to prepare the application.

BCOT head of rugby Henry Dorling, who headed the application for the college award, is delighted with the outcome.

"It is fantastic to be recognised by the RFU for the work that we have done to ensure that rugby is available to all our students," he said.

"We are proud of our excellent partnership with Basingstoke rugby club and extremely grateful for their support. We would also like to thank Jon Brookstein, who has been brilliant."

Following the successful accreditation, BCOT is now offering an opportunity for local talented rugby players to follow a new rugby academy programme in September.

Students will be able to study a sports-related course and have the opportunity to train and play every day. Students will study in the morning and then go to Basingstoke rugby club for training, with coaches from the rugby club taking part in the sessions.

Dorling, who will be co-ordinating the rugby academy, added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for all local rugby players, as there is nothing like this in the area.

"Our work with local partners, including Basingstoke rugby club and London Irish Academy, means that we have created an excellent framework within which young players can work and achieve."

Prospective students can apply now for a place on the BCOT rugby academy.

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