Industry supports Indian rugby programme
31st May 2016

SLIDERS UK has donated funding to the Atlas Foundation to finance a pioneering schools programme, which promotes educational achievement in schools through rugby.

The Delhi Hurricanes School Rugby Development Programme – once coached bySliders UK’s Operations Director and former London Irish player Alex Murphy - is built on a model first pioneered in the UK by the Atlas Foundation.

This promotes discipline and team working through the sport and has been shown to increase academic achievement in areas of social and economic deprivation here in the UK by 12 per cent.

The Delhi Hurricanes scheme works with 11 schools, including one all-girls, drawn from across some of the most impoverished parts of the city. The funding made available by Sliders UK with support from Duraflex, through the Atlas Foundation, will finance three full-time coaching posts.

Alex will also return to India this summer as part of the programme having first formed links with the Delhi Hurricanes during his time as Business Head of Fenesta Building Systems, India’s largest PVC-U window manufacturer, and part of the chemicals giant, DCM Shriram.

Alex said: “What is so incredible is how far a relatively small amount of money can go through this scheme and the contribution that it can make to so many people. For £3,000 we’re able to fund three full time coaches who are working with schools and children throughout Delhi.”

Sliders Chairman Ian Longbottom said: “This is a fantastic project making a real difference which is hugely appreciated. Sliders are delighted to participate and through Alex Murphy to be closely involved.”

*The Delhi Hurricanes Schools Development Programme is currently calling for donations of kit including boots, gum shields and secondhand mini and junior kits. If anyone is able to help, please contact Alex Murphy on 01772 698222 or email alex@sliders-uk.com.

www.theatlasfoundation.org.uk.
www.sliders-uk.com