This August, The Change Foundation delivered VI Rugby coaching to coaching communities in Ireland and Scotland. Directed by Alex ‘Bass’ Bassan our Head of Business Development, the outreach of the VI Rugby programme has now successfully reached four countries within the UK.
In Scotland, Bass was able to work with the Strathmore Community Trust in Forfar, where he successfully delivered training to 14 eager coaches and volunteers. Over the next few months, we hope to see these individuals develop the first ever Scottish VI Rugby team!
Following his trip to Scotland, Bass flew over to Ireland where he worked closely with our Ambassador, and former Benetton and Italian rugby player Ian McKinley and the Ireland Rugby Football Union (IRFU). Working together, Bass, McKinley and the IRFU delivered training at Old Wesley Rugby Club in Dublin to 14 participants ranging from coaches, volunteers and VI rugby participants.
David McKay, IRFU Disability and Inclusion Officer, said: “We are really grateful to Vision Sports Ireland and The Change Foundation for their support in helping deliver this pilot programme.”
Both training sessions were a huge success, and we look forward to following the developing progress of both counties as they evolve this incredible sport. As we continue to develop the game in partnership with Premiership rugby clubs across England, plans to host the world’s first VI Rugby World Cup in 2023 are still underway. With the growing success of VI Rugby, TCF continue to host talks to make these plans a reality.
