Sliders UK has donated funding to the Atlas Foundation to finance a pioneering schools programme, which promotes educational achievement in schools through rugby.

The Delhi Hurricanes School Rugby Development Programme – a team with close links to Sliders UK’s Operations Director, Alex Murphy – is built on a model first pioneered in the UK by the Atlas Foundation.
This promotes discipline and team working through the sport and has been shown to increase academic achievement in areas of social and economic deprivation here in the UK by 12 per cent.
Previously coached by former London Irish loose-head prop Murphy, the Delhi Hurricanes scheme works with 11 schools, including an all-girls school, drawn from across some of the most impoverished parts of the city.
The funding made available by Sliders UK with support from Duraflex, through the Atlas Foundation, will finance three full-time coaching posts.
Murphy will also return to India this summer as part of the programme having first formed links with the Delhi Hurricanes during his time as Business Head of Fenesta Building Systems. India’s largest PVC-U window manufacturer the company is part of the chemicals giant, DCM Shriram.

Alex said: “What is so incredible is how far a relatively small amount of money can go through this scheme and the contribution that it can make to so many people. For £3,000 we’re able to fund three full time coaches who are working with schools and children throughout Delhi.”
The Atlas foundation was set up by 114 England Cap loose head prop Jason Leonard, to provide a link between businesses looking to make a contribution as part of their CSR strategies and grassroots rugby worldwide as a funding organization.
It’s also developed a network of ‘Champions’ who work with projects around the world, providing leadership and support to development programmes.
Alex concluded: “On behalf of the Delhi Hurricanes, Atlas and those children who are benefitting, I’d like to say a big thank you to the industry for its generous support.”
Chairman of Sliders-UK, Ian Longbottom said: “This is a fantastic project making a real difference which is hugely appreciated. Sliders are delighted to participate and through Alex Murphy to be closely involved.”
*The Delhi Hurricanes Schools Development Programme is currently calling for donations of kit including boots, gum shields and secondhand mini and junior kits. If you are able to help or know someone who can, please get in touch with Alex Murphy who can be contacted on 01772 698222 or email alex@sliders-uk.com.
 
For more information on the Atlas Foundation please visit www.theatlasfoundation.org.uk.
For more information on Sliders UK please email sales@sliders-uk.com