Beyond Rugby Expanding To Berkeley Institute
Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. recently presented the Family Centre with a donation which will allow the Beyond Rugby Bermuda Programme] to expand into Berkeley Institute, with the programme to officially begin in October.
Beyond Rugby is a collaboration between the Bermuda Rugby Football Union and Family Centre that helps young people to develop character and succeed in school while having fun and staying fit. The group offers a full rugby programme, a meal, and transportation home after practice, along with personal social support and case management for youth.
A spokesperson said, “The programme achieves great results due to the partnership and resources that support young people. Family Centre organizes the support to young people and families and the Bermuda Rugby Football Union organizes the training and games.
“The programme is currently offered at Dellwood Middle School and Cedarbridge High School. Martha Dismont states, “The generosity of Axis Capital Holdings Ltd. has allowed this valuable programme to expand into Berkeley Institute. We are very pleased by this support and excited by the opportunity for greater personal success for students.
“The students at Berkeley Institute have been playing rugby for the past two years, and the addition of this programme support will make a world of difference for their overall success.”
Front Row: Jahmali Bridgewater, Daneko Cann-Hayward, Jahnike Francis, Raguel Dicc; Second Row: Sarah Dunstan, Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Martha Dismont, Albert Benchimol; Back Row: Patrick Calow, Tyrone McHardy, & Nadia Robinson [photo courtesy Michelle Dismont-Frazzoni]:
“The rugby component will be complemented with homework support which will offer participants a safe, structured and nurturing afterschool environment to help the youth improve their academic success, while increasing positive relationships and social skills.
“Students interested in the rugby aspect will also have to participate in homework support programming before each rugby practice. The Beyond Rugby programme also gives students direct access to counselling support, if needed.”
John Layfield, volunteer Beyond Rugby coach, said, “Our approach is to use the game and our time together to build loyalty to one another and redirect frustration and aggression through the shared values of discipline, teamwork and respect.”
Dr. Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, Principal of Berkeley Institute, said, “At the Berkeley Institute, we are thrilled to welcome this new dimension to our partnerships with Family Centre. The Beyond Rugby Programme will nurture and support students who are champions on the field to apply similar acumen in the classroom and beyond.
“Many thanks to Axis Capital Holdings, Ltd. for investing in our youth and our future. Respice Finem.”
Albert Benchimol, Chief Executive Officer and President of AXIS, said, “AXIS has long been committed to the healthy development of Bermuda’s youth, and we have been looking for a sports and education program that encourages young Bermudians to excel academically, physically and socially.
“As a long term supporter of Family Centre, we are thrilled to help them expand their successful Beyond Rugby Bermuda Programme to the Berkeley Institute. With the Beyond Rugby Programme, Berkeley students will receive academic support, coaching and a healthy, safe and supportive environment for their after school activities.
“We’re very pleased to support Berkeley students in their quest for academic and sports excellence and become successful both on and off the field of play.”
Fantastic News. Well done Axis. Well done Beyond Rugby Bermuda. Well done the Family Centre and the BRFU. Incredible program making big, positive changes to our childrens lives.