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13th February 2021
12:46am GMT
Earlier this week, Aviva launched the Safe To Dream Team, an online hub which aims to improve access for young people on their sporting journey within clubs or at home, through online skills videos, and advice and support from leading sports ambassadors.
Despite the current Covid-19 restrictions, Aviva Ireland wants to ensure children across the country can continue to improve their skills and knowledge, and enjoy pursuing their sporting dreams through the Aviva Mini Rugby and Soccer Sister programmes delivered through the Safe To Dream Team. UL Bohemians, Munster and Irish International Rugby Player, Eimear Considine, and legendary Irish International flyhalf and current La Rochelle Head Coach, Ronan O’Gara, have teamed up to announce the Aviva Mini Rugby Virtual Skills Hub, which will take place over next week’s mid-term break from Monday 15th February 2021 to Friday 19th February 2021 . Here, Ireland’s future rugby stars will have the chance to build their confidence and hone their skills, developed by IRFU coaches and hosted by Eimear.
“I always wanted to represent Ireland in sport, said the Safe to Dream Team ambassador at this week's launch.
"But little did I know I would do so playing rugby as I was a relatively late starter. It has been a dream come true for me to play for Ireland, and it’s a dream for lots of children. I work with children every day as a teacher, and I know very well what a challenging time it is right now for both them and their parents all over the country. I think initiatives like the Safe To Dream Team will offer valuable support for them to keep connected to their sport, and their passions, at a time when they need it most.”
The pandemic has hugely impacted on many sectors of society in Ireland, with grassroots sports, in particular, feeling the impact of Covid-19. With restricted access to games and training since March of last year, children across Ireland have had little chance to improve their skills, grow their confidence and enjoy the benefits that sport can offer - seven in ten parents state that sport has had a positive impact on their child’s wellbeing.
Through the Safe to Dream Team, Aviva wants to support parents and clubs to enable children’s futures by creating a safe space for them to pursue their sporting dreams, beginning with the Aviva Mini Rugby Virtual Skills Hub.
Lisa Bergin, Sponsorship Manager at Aviva Ireland, explains:
“As proud sponsors of the IRFU and the FAI, we are delighted to offer this initiative and seek to support parents and clubs across the country in these challenging times. The Aviva Mini Rugby Virtual Skills Hub is a fantastic way for children across the country, of different ages and abilities, to improve their skills in a safe environment. Eimear, and Ronan are sharing their stories to inspire Irish children on what can be achieved when they dream big and we are looking forward to introducing additional ambassadors, more skills, and additional content over the coming months.”
Ronan O’Gara, former Irish International and Safe to Dream Team ambassador, also commented on the initiative:
“Growing up, it was always my dream to play for Ireland. All of my achievements in the green shirt were fuelled by the power of those dreams along with hard work and some luck. I’m delighted to play a role as part of the Safe To Dream Team in helping children to continue to enjoy a safe environment where they can play sport grow and continue to chase their sporting dreams. I’ve coached children throughout my career, and I know how vital it is to give children a platform to push their limits, and support their physical and mental wellbeing.”
The Aviva Mini Rugby Virtual Skills Hub will offer a range of in-depth videos and walkthroughs of key rugby skills, from Throw & Clap and Pass & Place to Kick Tennis and Rats & Rabbits. With the launch of the Aviva Soccer Sisters programme soon to be announced, Aviva is ensuring parents and clubs have access to the best advice and support – creating an environment where it is safe to dream.
To take part in the Aviva Mini Rugby Virtual Skills Hub and to be in with a chance to win prizes for your family or kits for your club, and receive discounts on your car and home insurance, families and clubs across Ireland are invited to sign up at www.aviva.ie/safetodreamteam.
