THE vocal talent and enthusiasm of Tavistock College students will take centre stage in Plymouth this Saturday, as they attend the eagerly anticipated local derby clash in the third round of rugby's Powergen Cup.
The students have been invited to kick off the match between Plymouth Albion and Redruth by leading the crowd in their renditions of Jerusalem and Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. They will be accompanied by members of Tavistock's Stannary Brass Band.
The invite comes as a result of Tavistock College's sponsorship, as an employer, of Albion player George Pettingell, a learning support assistant at the school.
Plymouth Albion spokesman Sam Snowden said: 'Tavistock is going to be a very big part of the day. As a club we are trying to open our gates to get kids more involved in rugby and Saturday will be all about creating the right atmosphere to get behind the boys and be a winning team!'
Teacher Sally Hubbard said Saturday was all about celebrating the link between the college and a successful sporting organisation and most importantly, having fun!
'We hope this partnership will be really motivational for the students,' said Sally, who said Saturday was the start of an exciting new connection between the college and Plymouth Albion, which might see Tavistock students becoming rugby stars of the future.
George Pettingell said Saturday's match should prove quite a day for the students.
George is a backrow forward for the Plymouth Albion development side. The club also has historic links with the school — chairman of rugby is former Tavistock College student Graham Dawe. Unfortunately, George will be playing away with the second team on Saturday, but said Albion needed a good result to boost confidence after three successive losses.
'Hopefully we'll come away with a win,' said George, who hoped the new links between the club and college could produce some great home-grown talent in the future.
He said: 'Albion is quite seriously involved in coaching locally and this is a great opportunity for the college.
'I'm currently head coach for the Under 15 side but we've also got other Albion players coming up to work with the first fifteen. The college applied for extra coaching from Albion last term and because they got in early, they've been successful.'
George has also started extra-curricular tag rugby sessions for girls in years 9, 10 and 11, which could possibly be extended to younger age groups, due to high demand.
Tickets for the Plymouth Albion match against Redruth at Brickfields go on sale tomorrow (Friday). Call the ticket line on 01752 565064. Kick off is at 2.30pm.