That the Parliament congratulates Northfield Academy on the success of its rugby programme through CashBack for Communities; recognises that 296 pupils from areas of multiple deprivation have participated in the rugby programme, with 56% of the participants being female; believes that this highlights the inclusive and growing participation of girls in the sport; understands that the percentage of girls participating at Northfield Academy is 55% female compared with the national average of 39%; further understands that the school has actively competed in local state school competitions, reaching the finals of the Six Series event run by Scottish Rugby in Caledonia North, with 58 boys and girls representing the school; acknowledges that Northfield Academy also took part in the 100-year celebration of Murrayfield on 21 March 2025; understands that this experience was particularly meaningful for many pupils who rarely have the chance to leave their local community, let alone visit the home of Scottish Rugby; notes that the programme has supported many boys from the school in taking the next step in their rugby journey by joining Aberdeenshire RFC, with several of them recently travelling as part of the club’s U13/U14 team to Shetland in early February 2025 to play a match on the island, which, it understands, was an unforgettable experience for many who would not otherwise have had such an opportunity; commends the programme for what it sees as its transformative impact, with school staff reporting significant improvements in pupils' confidence, resilience, behaviour, and dedication to their education, and celebrates what it sees as the power of rugby to change lives at Northfield Academy.
Supported by:
Karen Adam, Jeremy Balfour, Colin Beattie, Miles Briggs, Sharon Dowey, Jackie Dunbar, Pam Duncan-Glancy, Tim Eagle, Meghan Gallacher, Dr Pam Gosal MBE, Rhoda Grant, Dr Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Douglas Lumsden, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Roz McCall, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Kevin Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Annie Wells, Brian Whittle