Liversedge-based GNG Sport, the UK’s leading provider of branded rugby training equipment, is swapping the training pitch for the playground in a first for the company, by producing a number of bespoke protective pads in the play area of a local pre-preparatory school.
Recognising the importance of health & safety issues, the sports equipment experts are installing 18 specially manufactured pads in the play area of Cliff Pre-Preparatory School in Wakefield, adopting similar techniques used in the production of rugby contact shields, tackle bags and post protectors, employed by the likes of Leeds Rhinos and Sale Sharks.
The brightly coloured protectors are designed to safeguard children against the rigors of playtime rough and tumble by covering the base of each of the support posts in the school’s enclosed playground, which is accessed daily by 70 excited children aged between two and four years.
Anita Gleave, principal at Cliff Pre-Preparatory School, said: “Everyone knows how much children love to be running around outdoors and we need to do everything we can to protect them against any potential mishaps.
“We were aware of the existing work GNG Sport does in the provision of protector pads to the rugby fraternity. Therefore, we approached them to see if a similar product could be designed to protect our children from harming themselves if they bumped into pillars in their play area.
“The pads are certainly doing the trick and I’m pleased to say that they have gone down a storm with the children - particularly the bright colours!”
GNG Sport has recognised the importance of health and safety not just in commercial arenas, which is demonstrated by its commitment to providing protective equipment in the education sector – starting in the playground.
Neal Spencer, director of GNG Sport, explained: “We are pleased to have been able to provide the school with a solution to its needs and by working closely with the teachers we managed to integrate their comments into the development of the final product.
“This is our first foray into the schools market having predominantly dealt with sports clubs previously, and it is an area we would like to investigate further, after all children can often be as boisterous and lively as rugby players.”
