The EduSport for All initiative, spearheaded by Fundația Te Aud România, is aiming to empower sports communities across rural Suceava through the unifying power of rugby. Funded by the European Commission via the Erasmus+ program, this project is set to run from September 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and focuses on enhancing the role of sports within these local communities.
At the heart of the project lies a significant mobility scheme to Ireland, where nine physical education teachers and rugby coaches from Suceava had the chance to learn from the rich rugby heritage of the second-ranked nation according to the World Rugby standings. “We wanted this exchange of experience with Ireland to understand mechanisms for practicing rugby as mass sport, but also the local community component, extremely important and valuable for athletes on the field,” explained Oana Vasiliu, project coordinator for Te Aud România.
During their visit from February 25 to March 4, 2024, these educators engaged directly with rugby dynamics at MU Barnhall RFC, where they experienced firsthand the extensive training setups for different age groups, from mini rugby to senior teams. The immersive job shadowing provided insights and operational methods beneficial for promoting rugby as both a competitive sport and community activity.
Upon their return, the participants turned their newfound knowledge to action by organizing five workshops from April 1 to June 1, 2024. These sessions catered to 58 physical education teachers across Romania and covered topics such as discipline, volunteerism, family involvement, and nurturing passion for sports. “The experience from Ireland marked me from the perspective of mentality and I came back with changed perceptions about how rugby should be viewed as a lifestyle and its impact on the local community,” remarked Andrei Varvaroi, director of the Sports School Club Gura Humorului, reflecting on the transformative nature of this knowledge transfer.
The culmination of the EduSport for All project was celebrated on June 3, 2024, with a mini rugby tournament held at the Școala Gimnazială “Mitropolit Iacob Putneanul” Putna. This engaging event saw over 200 children aged 6 to 14 participating, marking not just the successful conclusion of the initiative but also the vibrant involvement of the local youth.
The project’s impact stretches beyond mere academic learning. It aims to redefine the cultural perception of rugby and sports as fundamental to community life. Key lessons from the Irish experience highlighted the importance of strict discipline within training sessions and the active participation of parents and community members as volunteers.
Ciprian Crețan, another educator involved, noted the extensive support system observed in Ireland, stating, “During the experience there, I realized any sport practitioner has huge opportunities. Any discovered talent has behind it a healthy thinking system and a true team of specialists. Rugby is accompanied by the tradition and education accumulated over more than 150 years! Nothing is left to chance. Everything is work and dedication!”
Through the EduSport for All initiative, there is hope for cultivating the next generation of rugby players and instilling lifelong lessons of teamwork, resilience, and community spirit. The project aims to create not only skilled athletes but also engaged citizens who recognize the value of sports and community participation.
By instilling rigorous training methodologies, fostering parental involvement, and educating communities about the long-term benefits of sports, the potential for rugby to become integral to Suceava’s cultural and educational fabric appears promising. One aspect of these initiatives is to present rugby-tag as introductory school curriculum, providing children with safe and fun ways to learn the sport, setting the stage for future stars on the field.
EduSport for All serves as a prime example of how international collaboration can bolster local initiatives, proving yet again the central role of sports in enhancing the quality of life and community connections. This initiative highlights Te Aud România’s commitment to advocating for necessary changes to develop rugby and sports overall within the rural fabric of Romania.
