A RUGBY programme for youngsters funded by the Regeneration Board and run by Southampton Rugby Club has kicked off in the Outer Shirley area.

Southampton Rugby Club recently recruited Rob Memory - a rugby development officer, who is already rolling out the programme in local schools using a regeneration grant of £38,400.

Rob has started work with pupils at Millbrook, Bellemoor, Cantell and Redbridge Secondary Schools and will begin working with local junior schools in 2003.

As well as developing school teams and after-school clubs during the two-year programme, he also aims to establish both a junior and a mini's section of Southampton Rugby Club.

Rob, who used to run Winchester Rugby Club where he successfully set up a Junior Rugby Programme, said he is delighted the rugby programme in west Southampton is now up and running.

"My aim is to establish successful rugby clubs in all of the schools and to encourage the committed players to join Southampton Rugby Club with the aim of developing a professional career in the sport. The club is looking to seek funding from the lottery in the future in order to improve the facilities for all sports at Test Playing Fields," he said.

To launch the regeneration-funded rugby programme, South-ampton Rugby Club is holding an open day on Sunday, December 8 from 10.30am to noon at Test Lane playing fields in Millbrook.

Anyone aged under 16 can attend to find out more about the rugby programme. Sessions will continue every Sunday morning from 10.30am-12pm.

Contact Rob Memory on 07855 334 043.