Rugby club building project is a try-umph!

Hartlepool Rovers rugby club is looking in splendid shape, thanks to a special building initiative.

The work on the club’s new second XV pitch, on the opposite side of West View Road from their famous Friarage ground, has been undertaken by young people from NEET backgrounds (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

NEET talent have worked in conjunction with the renowned VIY (Volunteer It Yourself) organisation, who are a Community Interest Company which helps communities improve their facilities

VIY’s North-East project manager Shaid Nazir has headed the project which has been supported by town businesses, MB Groundworks and JT Atkinson -alongside educational establishments Catcote Academy and Hartlepool College of Further Education

NEET’s young workers were involved in the construction of new dugouts and fencing around the second field.

It has made for a win-win result.

A win for Rovers who have improved their facilities at a club which provides a safe and enjoyable environment for players of both sexes and all ages from minis to veterans rugby.

And a win too for those from NEET and VIY, who pride themselves on working with people who are disengaged or excluded from mainstream education and training, at risk of disengagement, and/or unemployed.

“Our young people are mentored by professional tradespeople and can gain Entry Level City & Guilds accreditations, as well as access to further training, work-readiness and employment opportunities,” said Shaid.

James Turner, who co-ordinated matters for Rovers, said the club was delighted with the results.

“It has been a major development to transform what essentially was a patch of wasteland into a pitch for our players to train and play on,” he said. “The work masterminded by VIY has been invaluable.

“It has been great to see the involvement of young people from NEET backgrounds, who get the opportunity to gain practical experience and develop new skills. We can’t thank MB Groundworks and JT Atkinson for their backing plus the support of Hartlepool College of Further Education and Catcote Academy. It has been a tremendous team effort from all.”