23rd June 2009

Earlier this year - the Cornish Pirates joined 30 clubs across a network of Premiership Football and Rugby Clubs, including Newcastle FC, Leicester Tigers RFC and Gloucester RFC to deliver the 'Double Club' within secondary schools.

The Cornish Pirates Learning Zone have established a pilot scheme at Mounts Bay School, and staff are now delivering a 10-week programme. A teacher takes a classroom period studying English, Maths and ICT, followed by a coaching session delivered by Mike Crump, the Cornish Pirates Community Coach.

Mike Crump and 'Double Club members at Mounts Bay School.

The name 'Double' comes from the project being aimed to give school pupils a 'Double' experience, learning through sport, educationally and physically.

It was developed by Arsenal FC in 1998, due to the need to motivate and engage pupils, particularly boys, to read and write in inner city schools and is funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families.

The passion that sport provides is a great way to attract their attention.