Snakes backing rugby program

Caboolture Snakes will have an additional form of rugby on offer this season at Petersen Rd.

The GingerCloud Foundation’s Modified Rugby Program (MRP) will be at Snakes for a third successive year.

MRP is a world first touch-only, modified form of rugby designed for young people with Autism and other learning and perceptual disabilities.

Active members

Developed by Brisbane parents Megan and Anthony Elliott, MRP encourages children with disabilities and their families to become active members of their local rugby club.

Mr and Mrs Elliott’s son Max has a learning and perceptual disability and they “wanted to answer the question of where Max would do life when we are not here anymore”.

“The MRP is a great initiative that helps us reach more members of our community and allows them to participate in Rugby,” Snakes’ President John Flew, in main picture, said.

“We are proud to be associated with GingerCloud and the MRP to help drive disability inclusion throughout Caboolture and Moreton Bay.”

Team first

There are four MRP divisions, each with specific structural, Allied Health and coaching modifications based on the players’ needs on and off the field.

For some it will their first experience of being in a team sport.

MRP Juniors (7-13 years) and MRP Colts (16-25 years) - Players are matched with a PlayerMentor for support, guidance and friendship.

MRP 7s and MRP 7s Plus (assessed by on-field skill ability) - Players are higher skilled and supported by PlayerMentors as a team.

Young mentors

PlayerMentors are young adults from local schools who provide guidance, encouragement, friendship for MRP players, helping them have fun and belong at their club.

The foundation’s ambassadors include Wallabies legends Tim Horan, Nathan Sharpe and Stephen Moore.

Visit GingerCloud.org or email GCSupport@gingercloud.org