THOUSANDS of schoolchildren are trying out rugby courtesy of a local firm. Kensington House Group (KHG), a direct marketing services agency based in Maidstone, is backing this year¹s Kent Festival of Tag Rugby which culminates in County Finals Day at Medway Rugby Football Club in June.

It is the largest festival of its kind in the South East. Tag rugby is the official national game that introduces 7-11 year olds to the world of Rugby Union by eliminating body contact and encouraging boys and girls to play the sport together. The KHG Kent Festival of Tag Rugby, developed by the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Kent County Council¹s Sports Development Unit, has become an important fixture on the rugby calendar of local schools.

Last year¹s festival saw more than 3,000 children take part, with 600 mixed squads of 10 players, all with at least three members of each sex. The 2002 Festival includes 32 mini festivals across Kent, with the finals held at at Medway RFC on June 28.

Jerry Smythe, KHG¹s sales director said: "Fostering team spirit is vital for the health of any business. We are delighted to play our part in making sure youngsters learn to work as a team, have an opportunity to enjoy sport and have fun." Matt Mitchell, RFU Development Officer, said: "Thanks to the support of KHG we have been able to unlock additional financial support from Sportsmatch, the national sport funding body. We are committed to making the 2002 Festival the biggest ever."