Primary school in Northampton attempts to break tag rugby world record in aid of Sport Relief

The school wanted to break the world record for most participants playing in a tag rugby match
By Carly Odell
Published 13th Mar 2020, 17:03 BST
Updated 13th Mar 2020, 17:15 BST
Pupils and staff from Boothville Primary School attempted to break a world record in support of Sport Relief. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.Pupils and staff from Boothville Primary School attempted to break a world record in support of Sport Relief. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
Pupils and staff from Boothville Primary School attempted to break a world record in support of Sport Relief. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.

A Northampton primary school that wanted to do something different for Sport Relief has attempted to beat a world record.

Students and staff at Boothville Primary School in Booth Lane North spent six hours and 20 minutes playing tag rugby yesterday (March 13).

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The school played one continuous game with teams rolling on and off in a bid to break the world record for the most participants in a tag rugby match.

Headteacher Rebecca Payne and assistant head Andy Elyard with some of the children who took part. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.Headteacher Rebecca Payne and assistant head Andy Elyard with some of the children who took part. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
Headteacher Rebecca Payne and assistant head Andy Elyard with some of the children who took part. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.

Andy Elyard, assistant head at the school and organiser of the event, said: “The game started at 8.55am and we played until 3.15pm.

“We started with year six, then year five came out and we went right down to our five-year-olds.

“All the children got a sticker with a number on so we knew how many had taken part and we kept score all day.

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“We’ve had to record the whole day so we can send it to Guinness World Records to verify.”

The school hosted one continuous game of tag rugby that lasted for more than six hours. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.The school hosted one continuous game of tag rugby that lasted for more than six hours. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
The school hosted one continuous game of tag rugby that lasted for more than six hours. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.

With children from all classes, plus a number of staff members taking part throughout the day, the school recorded a final total of 528 participants.

The current record stands at 467 people, so the school now has to wait for Guinness World Records to verify the attempt.

Andy added: “When I first told the children in assembly, they’re reaction was that I’m mad. Now we’re doing it they still think I’m mad.

“It’s really exciting and everyone is buzzing about it.

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More than 500 people took part in the game. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.More than 500 people took part in the game. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.
More than 500 people took part in the game. Photo: Kirsty Edmonds.

“It has been the most amazing atmosphere. Everybody is all together, all doing the same thing.

“This is a wonderful way to celebrate Sport Relief and we love sport here so a world record would be icing on the cake.”

Everyone who took part in the tag rugby game was asked to contribute 50p for Sport Relief.

As well attempting to break a world record, the school also managed to raise at least £200 for the good cause.

Related topics:Primary schoolNorthamptonStudents

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