Fifty kids enjoyed the free rugby session at the TET MultiSports Centre in Stratford.
Fifty kids laced up their boots, grabbed their mouth guards and made their way down to the TET MultiSports Centre in Stratford for a free rugby skills and fun session.
The session, on July 8, was one of six in Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) community team's school holiday kids' rugby programme.
The sessions, aimed at those aged 5 to 18, are being held in Stratford, Hāwera and New Plymouth throughout the school holidays, with two sessions per district.
One of the organisers, Melanie McGlashan, says the team wanted to make the programme easily accessible to kids across the Taranaki region.
"This is the first programme we've run of this size. We've run holiday programmes in the past but it's only been one session."
"One hundred kids signed up for our first session in New Plymouth and 50 kids for this one. It is great they are interested."
The community team includes eight Rugby Development Officers (RDOs) from Taranaki's premier rugby clubs. Their role is to go to schools and encourage children to become interested in rugby.
Melanie says the RDOs worked with the kids, teaching them rugby skills.
"There was a little skill work but it is mainly getting the kids active and having fun."
She says the team are thankful for the support of sponsors.
'Without their help, this wouldn't be possible. We're thankful to the Taranaki Community Trust for funding the RDO roles and also to Yarrows the Bakers for supplying the children with lunch."
Melanie says with the delay of the rugby season due to Covid-19, it's important for the kids to get back into rugby.
"They need to get back out there, be active and have fun."
Melanie says she enjoys organising events like this.
"This is what we all love doing, we love getting out there in the community."