Since the end of 2020, the Stade Niçois club has launched a project in collaboration with neighborhood associations from the Nice Metropolis. The aim is to bring rugby and its values to the heart of the Priority Neighborhoods of the City Policy (QPV). Focus on the “Rugby Heart of the City” operation.
The goal is to “show that there is more than just soccer in Nice.” The Stade Niçois has already started offering this operation in ten neighborhoods of the metropolis: Vence, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Carros, and Nice.
An introduction takes place during a day dedicated to rugby during school holidays. These days are composed of fun activities to discover rugby and its values of solidarity, respect, and sharing. The objective is also for the club to attract young people aged 6 to 15 years towards rugby. Moreover, a “neighborhood tournament” will be organized in June at Arboras. Each neighborhood will have formed a team to participate in the competition with many prizes at stake.
On the occasion of the “Rugby Heart and City” operation, young children train for the oval ball sport and learn its values
“We are going to 10 neighborhoods and each time, success is there. The children come in large numbers, smiling, and are especially curious to discover this sport. Families also come to attend these days and are delighted to see their children having fun. We want to show that rugby and life share the same values: solidarity, respect, and sharing. This June tournament is a big moment for the operation. We hope to attract between 150 and 200 young people from the 10 neighborhoods. We will continue this operation for at least the next 2 years. Nice will host the Top 14 semi-finals in 2022 and the World Cup matches in 2023, so we will try to capitalize on these events.” explains Roch Barut, head of the Rugby School in charge of the “Rugby Heart of the City” operation.
During the Easter holidays, the Stade Niçois has already planned its days within the neighborhoods. Four will take place during the first week of the holidays (between April 24 and 29) and two days also on May 3 and 4.
