How one mother’s vision changed the perception of grass roots sponsorship
The Benefit of Foresight
Diane and a much older Liam
Any parent will agree their children are their lives. If a child suffers, the parent does too. When Diane Birch’s son Liam was 9 years old, he’d hit rock bottom. At a time when young boys are confidently making new friends and getting on at school, Liam was withdrawn; lacking confidence and self-belief. A sufferer of dyslexia and dyspraxia, he confided in his mum that he’d thought about taking his own life. Giving Sport a Try No parent can bear to see their child suffer. So when Diane’s brother-in-law Andrew suggested
Liam might benefit from joining his rugby club, she jumped at the chance to give something – anything – a try. The coaches at Rochford Hundred Rugby Club worked closely with Liam to help him overcome his difficulties. And it worked … after six months of hard graft, he had become one of their best players. His progress was striking: Liam excelled so much so he was chosen to represent Essex County. Setting down Roots Diane was new to the area, and Liam’s involvement in the rugby club gave her the chance to make
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THE PACK Issue 1 Summer 2013