Fairfield Farm College student Tim has recently been awarded the prestigious Rugby Ambassador of the Year award by Premiership Rugby. Tim has been playing for the Melksham Stags Mixed Ability Rugby Team, and has recently become Captain of the team. Tim received the award at the Premiership Rugby Parliamentary Awards ceremony, which was attended by MPs, and took place at the House of Commons on Tuesday 12th July.

The Parliamentary Awards is a celebration of the work and impact achieved by Premiership Rugby and its clubs. Premiership Rugby seeks to help tackle inequalities that exist, believing wholeheartedly that all young people, no matter their background or ability, should have equal access to sporting opportunities which help them fulfil their potential. The award is designed to reward a participant who has excelled in any Premiership Rugby community programme.

Here’s a bit more of Tim’s story…

Tim never had an interest in rugby, despite his father being heavily involved at Wimbledon RFC. He boards at Fairfield Farm College, where last September, Project Rugby ran a taster session for students to give rugby a try. Despite not wanting to be tagged in a touch rugby game due to his sensitivities, Tim quickly began to enjoy passing the ball with teammates.

When Bath Rugby Foundation set up a Mixed Ability team in collaboration with Melksham RFC, Tim’s interest started to gather momentum, and he was soon immersing himself in sessions. On the eve of the Six Nations kicking off, earlier this year, Tim had his first fixture which his parents travelled to watch – an emotional occasion for his Dad who never thought he’d see his son play.

Fast forward a few months, and Tim has now embraced being tagged, and is even confident enough to tackle. Tim is now captain of Melksham Stags, who are organising an away game against Wimbledon RFC, so that Tim and his Dad can play against each other. Leadership skill development, and a surge in confidence have led Tim to committing to participate in the HITZ programme.

Everyone at Fairfield Farm College would like to say a HUGE congratulations to Tim for his well-deserved award!