Tackling Numbers programme scoops award

Premiership Rugby and MBNA's ground-breaking Tackling Numbers programme has been named the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme at the National Card and Payment Awards Ceremony.

Tackling Numbers is delivered by MBNA, Premiership Rugby and the Premiership Rugby clubs with the aim of making numeracy challenges exciting, fun and relevant to real life.

Tackling Numbers utilises the power of rugby to promote the understanding and learning of numeracy. The classroom sessions are supported by practical PE sessions that unite an active mind with an active body. The interactive programme takes a rounded approach to teaching children about the importance of number skills in all walks of life.

Tackling Numbers is delivered in partnership with the 12 Premiership Rugby Clubs, and Leeds Carnegie, and aims to capitalise on rugby's ability to engage with children inside and out with the classroom. The five-week programme utilises both interactive classroom sessions and practical fun number-based rugby games. MBNA, a Bank of America company, is a commercial partner and community sponsor of Premiership Rugby and the principal partner of Sale Sharks Premiership Rugby Club.

Tackling Numbers is now in its second year and will involve more than 800 schools over the next three years. The programme is aimed at Year 4 pupils (8 to 9 years old), all classroom materials have been developed to complement the national curriculum.

Sale Sharks have been delivering the Tackling Numbers Programme in St Thomas C of E Primary School in Stockport, and the class had an extra special visit from Sharky himself (pictured) who gave advice to the kids about maths and rugby. He was kind enough to sign all the pupils' MBNA Tackling Numbers folders.

If you would like to take part in this or other community programmes please contact Helen Stuart on 0161 286 8888 ext 268 or email Helen.stuart@salesharks.com