Rise is supporting a partnership between Sport England and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), to launch a weekly activity session for families.

The session, which is free to join, will take place every Friday from 14 May at North Shields Rugby Club and is open to all families. There will be a range of activities to get involved with and no previous experience in sport or physical activity is required. A free meal will also be provided for every family.

It will form one of a number of national Families Fund projects, delivering opportunities to hundreds of families, helping them become active together and remove many of the barriers associated with traditional sport and physical activity.

Jade Scott, Young Adult Development Manager for Rise, said: “We’re excited to be supporting the partnership between Sport England, the RFU and the team at North Shields Rugby Club to be delivering this project. It’s a brilliant opportunity for the whole family to get together each week and have fun with other families – something we’ve all missed during the last twelve months.

“The latest Active Lives – Children and Young People survey highlighted that only 44.9% of children and young people meet the guidelines of taking part in 60 minutes of physical activity every day. This is a great way for parents and carers to help combat this and lead by example in showing their children how important it is - but also how fun it can be - to be active.”

Originally due to launch before the coronavirus pandemic hit, the initiative will soon commence in accordance with Sport England and the governments return to play guidance, with the hope that families will be looking forward to being able to go places together again.

With nearly 2,000 rugby clubs across England providing a hub for many communities, Rise along with Sport England, the RFU, and its member clubs will build on the good work already being undertaken to connect further with families and communities.

The groups first session will take place from 5:30pm, on Friday 14 May, at North Shields Rugby Club. Sessions are free but booking is essential. Places can be booked by contacting Simon at North Shields Rugby Club on 07908662392.