Programmes

SAINTS continue to lead the way into 2011 promoting Community Saints and the new stadium as a 'Healthy Stadia'.

In the summer of 2005 Heart of Mersey (HoM) launched a Healthy Stadia partnership with some of the region's leading sports clubs and venues including St Helens RLFC.

Currently SCDF are delivering projects to address key health issues across the borough. Key partnerships with Halton and St. Helens Health Improvement Team see thr Fit 4 Lifeinitiatives focus on weight management issues in both schools and the community.

SAINTS Smart School Experience, was one of the first Super League Education programmes set up in 1996 and over the year's thousands of youngsters have enjoyed a visit to Saints with the focus on learning.

Now the new Smart School also uses the "power of sport" to adopt positive lifestyle choices.

The School consists of a morning visit to the home of the Saints where they are welcomed by Saints mascot St Bernard. The school group are taken on a tour of the stadium with stops in the Saints changing rooms, where they take a look at the behind the scenes preparations for a Super League fixture. This session highlights on the importance of teamwork. The remainder of the tour looks at the club's prestigious history as the class stops at various heritage displays throughout the stadium.

Pupils then focus on health and nutrition when they undertake ICT based learning in the Youth Zone to design healthy lunchbox meals for their school. This work supports the sterling work done by the St Helens Healthy Schools Team and helps school's work towards their accreditation as a Healthy School.

Finally the visit is rounded off with a physical activity session known as the Saints Challenge.

The programme is a fantastic experience for all concerned and gives the children a wonderful introduction to the sport of Rugby League and the Saints.

Business Enterprise training is a key element for regeneration across Merseyside and the schemes with Saints mean that groups undertake market research and other promotions with the club.

Last year Carmel College held a Fashion Show to showcase Saints Leisurewear and replica shirts. This gave the students invaluable experience of event management.

Gordon Pennington, Saints Community Foundation Manager, said: "Last year proved a highly successful program and we are confident this year's crop will develop the reputation of the Enterprise Project.

"In the current economic climate the business experience the students will gain may prove invaluable."

Saints Community Development Team now boasts a string of highly qualified and dedicated coaches.

The team deliver coaching throughout the region focusing on the core elements of Rugby League.

In recent years coaching has increased in the St Helens area, but sessions and courses are now being systematically delivered to further afield including Knowsley, Liverpool and Sefton.