Young patients' coaching session with rugby club

Young patients at St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton took part in a special rugby coaching session on Monday, hosted by the Northampton Saints.

The Saints’ coaching team spent Monday morning at FitzRoy House – St Andrew’s child and adolescent mental health unit – where they worked with young patients on basic rugby skills. The boys and girls who took part have a variety of complex mental health needs, including emotional and behavioural difficulties, intellectual disabilities, mental illness and autistic spectrum disorders.

Many of the patients were not familiar with the game beforehand, but enjoyed being put through their paces in a session that encouraged both communication and teamwork.

The event was very well-received by both the patients and staff. Adam Bowers, Technical Instructor, explained: “Everyone absolutely loved the sessions, staff mentioned how nice it was to see everyone enjoying themselves and laughing and joking with each other. A number of patients asked when the Saints were coming in again.”

For more information regarding FitzRoy House, click here. The Northampton Saints are involved in activities throughout the local community; for details visit their website.