According to government figures over a fifth of four to five year olds, one third of children aged 10 to 11 years old and two thirds of adults are currently overweight or obese.

Premiership Rugby’s Something to Chew On healthy living programme aims to tackle this issue by developing important life skills, food knowledge and good habits early on in life.

A healthy partnership

Something To Chew On is jointly funded by Public Health England and The Supporters Club, BT Sport’s charitable initiative that aims to build a better world through sport. BT Sport customers raise money for The Supporters Club which is used to change the lives of young people. 

Learning through rugby

Rugby’s diversity makes it the perfect vehicle to drive a health and activity led initiative; as a sport, rugby can offer playing opportunities and role models to children no matter their background or ability.

This term the children of James Elliman Academy in Slough will be taking part in the Something To Chew On programme.

The key aims of the programme are to:

  • Improve young people’s understanding of what constitutes healthy eating and a healthy diet, as well as increasing their knowledge of food safety.
  • Increase young people’s uptake of physical activity.
  • Work as a contribution towards the Chief Medical Officer’s guidelines that all children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least an hour a day.

London Irish Community Coach, Oliver Heald, said:” The programme is a great way of changing the views young people have about healthy eating. Most of the group were unaware about what and how much they should be eating. This programme has helped educate the young children and in turn they can take this home and educate their parents. Most importantly though it is fun, exciting and gives the children a real chance to engage in discussion with each other and discover new ideas.”

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