Lucky primary school youngsters enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to Leicester Tigers Oval Park Training Ground this week at the launch of a new healthy schools initiative across Leicestershire.

Global Payments Healthy Schools is a free week-long programme delivered by Leicester Tigers representatives to primary schools to engage and educate pupils on the importance of healthy eating and living.

Tigers player Tatafu Polota-Nau and Tigers head of strength and conditioning Alex Martin hosted a special talk to pupils, parents and rugby clubs about the role a healthy diet and exercise has in the professional game. The group also had a tour of the training ground as well as an introduction to what Healthy Schools is all about.

So far, eleven primary schools across the region will be taking part in the programme, which starts next term. Throughout the week, pupils will get involved with assemblies, activities and practical sessions with ‘Healthy School’s champions’ awarded with special prizes.

Ashleigh Theobald, Leicester Tigers health officer who will be visiting each of the schools, said: “Childhood obesity is a real issue for many and Leicester as a city has recently announced plans to drive change across the region.

“Healthy Schools is all about educating pupils to make the right decisions and understand the impact that diet and exercise can have. Oval Park is a symbol of the hard work that goes into being a world-class rugby team, so what better way to inspire the next generation than host a unique launch day in the famous Oval Park gym.

“We’re extremely proud and excited to be able to deliver the programme and a huge thanks must go to Global Payments for their support. We’ll be kicking off the programme at Fosse Primary School at the start of the new term, with a view to reaching over 4,500 kids in total this year.”

The programme is supported by Leicester Tigers official partner Global Payments, who provide leading worldwide payments technology solutions. Based in Leicester, Global Payments joined the #TigersFamily in January 2018 and will be sponsoring the Global Payments Healthy Schools Programme

Pete Bettles, Director European Product & Schemes at Global Payments, said: “Global Payments is incredibly passionate to officially launch the Healthy Schools programme in partnership with the Leicester Tigers. This launch is just the start of things to come.

“You will see more work from us to encourage balanced diets and exercise plans, working closely with schools in the region, so that the future adults of Leicestershire can live healthy lives. Working collaboratively with the #TigersFamilly, we hope to inspire pupils with this programme throughout the entire rugby season.”