RUGBY professionals have transformed children’s health and fitness in a pioneering programme.

Game Changer sees Widnes Vikings’ specialist community coaches work in 36 Halton schools, promoting exercise, good nutrition and healthy lifestyles to almost 1,400 pupils.

The project aims to introduce exercise and healthy lifestyle choices into the daily curriculum of children aged six to eight.

Schools have committed to 80 minutes of activity per day, supported by a 24-week programme of targeted physical physical education sessions delivered by the Vikings.

By improving children’s physical wellbeing, it encourages them to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviours that they will sustain throughout their lives.

Independent research from Liverpool John Moores University has found proven results that after just one year the project has already improved pupils’ performance.

Analysis showed “all of the children reporting that the sessions make them feel happy.”

Richard Munson, commercial and community director at Widnes Vikings, said: “Game Changer creatively uses the power of the Vikings brand, as well as the specialist skills of its community coaches and players, to inspire important changes in the lives of local children.”

Dance and movement skills are being introduced plus initiatives to support the health of school employees.

Vikings co-captain Chris Houston is launching a new project.

Catherine McClennan, programme director for Improving Me, who commissioned the programme, said: “The Improving Me programme aims to improve the health and wellbeing of women and children across Cheshire and Merseyside through activity, social inclusion and education.

“We have been delighted by the passion and enthusiasm from the children and the excellent results it has achieved.

“We’d like to thank Widnes Vikings for their effective delivery of the project and look forward to continuing our partnership this year.”