RUGBY – BANK of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) announced yesterday its partnership with the Bahrain Rugby Football Association (BRFA) to launch the Bahrain Rugby School Development Programme, with coaching delivered by Hartpury University.
The programme has kicked off and continues until November 7, concluding with a Festival of Rugby at Bahrain Rugby Club (BRC) in Saar.
Eight schools have confirmed their participation, with more than 150 children expected to take part.
The initiative will introduce school students to rugby and help build the foundations for grassroots participation across the kingdom. Through expert coaching and opportunities to learn and play, the programme aims to encourage young people to take up the sport and support its long-term growth in Bahrain.
“BBK is proud to partner with the BRFA and Hartpury University on this important initiative, which reflects our commitment to supporting youth development and community engagement,” said BBK Group CEO Yaser Alsharifi.
“We believe sport plays a vital role in building confidence, teamwork, and discipline, and we are delighted to contribute to creating new opportunities for young people across Bahrain.”
BRFA general manager Mohamed Anwar Ateeq commented: “Developing rugby from an early age is essential to growing the sport and creating a strong pathway for local talent.
“We are excited to launch this programme with BBK and Hartpury University. Our long-term ambition is to help develop the players and experience needed to field a full Bahraini side at a future Asian Games.”
Hartpury University and Hartpury College chief operating officer Mick Axtell stated: “We are delighted to be collaborating with BBK, the Bahrain Olympic Committee, the BRFA, and BRC to help achieve their long-term goals to develop rugby from increasing grassroots participation through to international excellence.”
BBK expressed its sincere appreciation for the continued support of His Majesty King Hamad’s humanitarian works and youth affairs representative and Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) chairman Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa; SCYS first deputy chairman, General Sports Authority chairman, and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) president Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa; and BOC secretary general Faris Al Kooheji. Their commitment to sports and youth development in the kingdom has been instrumental in advancing initiatives such as this programme.
Furthermore, BBK extends its thanks to BRC for hosting the Festival of Rugby, opening its facilities to the programme, and its continued support of rugby in the kingdom.
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