Grassroots sport for children continues to be something we are keen to support. The Skipton Building Society Wharfedale Rugby Academy, run through local National League Division 2 rugby union side Wharfedale, puts qualified coaches in 50 local primary schools in North Yorkshire, benefiting around 2,000 children each year. The programme, which has been running since 1998, teaches the children tag rugby, developing their co-ordination, communication and teamwork skills, as well as ensuring they have fun! Hedley Verity, veteran of 300 games for Wharfedale Rugby Club, is the Academy’s co-ordinator.