Coventry Rugby has ended another academic year at Sherbourne Fields by getting hands on at the school’s annual sports day.
Rob Knox, Sam McNulty, Will Flinn and Luc Jeannot took part in races and team motivation throughout the morning at the all-age special school, which caters for pupils with a broad spectrum of needs including physical disabilities, medical conditions and learning needs from across Coventry.
Club players are a familiar sight at the school thanks in part to the generosity of Chris Millerchip, and Knox – who has been helping across a variety of sessions, including sport and sensory sessions, for four years – says that it is a “life-affirming” part of his week.
“It’s really life affirming to come to the school,” he says. “It doesn’t matter whether we’ve had a win or a loss at the weekend, everyone here is always really positive and has a smile on their face. Coming to a school like this gives you a wider perspective, and it is good to get out of the rugby bubble that we have as full-time players and athletes.”
For McNulty the work at Sherbourne Fields has added significance.
“It is always a personal experience to come to Sherbourne Fields as a member of my family is a former pupil,” he says. “Everyone supports each other and every session brings something different. The staff and volunteers are all brilliant and it is always really enjoyable to spend time here during the week.”
Head Teacher Shivaun Duffy-Moriarty says the Coventry Rugby players have become part of the school family.
“It has been brilliant to have Rob, Sam and the rest of the players both become familiar faces to all of our community and wholeheartedly embrace the ethos we have at Sherbourne Fields,” she says. “We’re committed to having a positive environment for all our staff, volunteers, pupils and families in what can be challenging circumstances, and the players really help us achieve that. They get involved across a variety of areas and we always look forward to seeing them come through the door.
“We’re delighted to be continuing this relationship into another season and can’t wait for September to come around for more sessions!”
For more information about the school’s work head to sherbournefields.co.uk
Coventry Rugby is committed to using rugby to improve the lives of the whole community in the city of Coventry and the surrounding area. Contact Hal Sparke, Coventry Rugby Foundation Manager, to find out more by emailing hsparke@coventryrugby.co.uk