Tackling Numbers Scoops Top Industry Award

MBNA and Premiership Rugby’s ground-breaking Tackling Numbers programme has been named the Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme at a national awards ceremony.

The winner was announced at the Card & Payment Awards held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London in February 2012, and the project has been acclaimed by former England captain Steve Borthwick.

Tackling Numbers is an interactive numeracy programme for young children, developed and delivered by Premiership Rugby in partnership with MBNA. The five-week programme aims to teach 8- and 9-year-olds the importance of number skills in everyday life.

The rugby-themed programme is delivered in schools by representatives from all 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby clubs, through both classroom sessions and practical number-based rugby games.

This innovative and engaging programme makes learning about numbers fun, exciting and rewarding. It also inspires children to both improve their numeracy skills and their physical health.

Current Saracens captain Borthwick said: “I was privileged to help launch the Tackling Numbers programme in 2010 and I am delighted to see that it has now received national recognition. I am delighted for everyone who has been involved in the programme. They should all be very proud.”

In the 2010-11 academic year, the programme reached 8,400 children in 280 schools within 14 regions across England. The schools also received a lasting legacy of equipment including a Teacher Resource pack containing all of the programme content, access to an online information resource, and tag rugby equipment so that the school can continue to play.

Ian O’Doherty, Europe Card executive for Bank of America, which operates the MBNA brand in the UK, said: “We are very proud of the success of the Tackling Numbers programme and with the positive feedback it has received. The power of sport, combined with creative social and community programmes, can deliver fantastic results and give children memorable experiences to last them a lifetime.

“We believe it is important to equip young people with the knowledge and tools to help them manage their money in the future. Engaging them in mathematics in a practical and enjoyable way, with some of the stars of English rugby, allows us to provide a foundation for good financial literacy in adulthood.”

Wayne Morris, head of Community at Premiership Rugby, said: "We’re delighted that Tackling Numbers has won this prestigious award. 

“Rugby has long been seen as a social game that unites and brings people from all over the world together. In more recent years, rugby's ability to engage with children is being used to transcend into the classroom. 

“The MBNA Tackling Numbers Programme utilises the power of rugby to promote the understanding and learning of numeracy in a fun and enjoyable way. The classroom sessions are supported by practical PE sessions that unite an active mind with an active body."