From the makers of The Notorious, comes a new three part documentary series set in Limerick City that tells the story of a group of young men and women who come together to turn their lives around through sport.
‘A Sporting Chance’ is a three part documentary series set in Limerick that tells the story of a group of educationally disadvantaged young men and women who are brought together and given a ‘sporting chance’ to change their lives forever through sport. Over three months the group takes on a sport and life skills course in an effort to boost their confidence and enhance their future job prospects.
In partnership with Munster Rugby, Limerick Southside and the Limerick Education and Training Board a unique education and sporting training programme was devised and implemented with cameras documenting ever step of this game changing journey.
This group of early school leavers are put though a series of life and sporting challenges that push them harder than ever before. All the lessons and challenges have a distinctly sporting theme. From event planning to practical work experience, the group is pushed to do new things they would not of attempted in the past. They hold a photography exhibition, they undertake a deeply personal fundraising event, they report on major rugby matches and finally travel to London to play in an international tag rugby event.
Most of the group have never held a rugby ball the first time they meet our coaches, former Leinster Centre Liam Toland, and Women’s Rugby International Rosie Foley. Facing apathy, anger and personal crises, Liam & Rosie are determined to turn this disparate group into a team. As the relentless training and educational process forces the trainees to confront their own life choices and inner demons, Liam and Rosie concentrate on improving fitness and diet, motivation and teamwork. Munster players Johne Murphy and Felix Jones muck in with handling and kicking skills while former Munster legends Marcus Horan and John Hayes pass on their experiences of playing in the famed Red Jersey.
Over the three episodes we gain an insight into the lives of the group as they battle a number of challenges culminating in the group entering an international tag rugby tournament in London. Will the pressure be too much or can they come together as a team.
Episode 3
With just weeks to go before the team leaves for London spirits are low. At a tense team meeting certain players are singled out for a lack of commitment. Liam and Rosie decide some team building is required so its down to the race track for some high speed go karting. The group are also set the challenge to organise an event in aid of a local charity. It’s hoped this will help the team learn to work together. The group picks a local suicide prevention charity as we hear their first hand experience of suicide in Limerick. Will the event be a success and will it help bolster team confidence as they board the bus for Limerick and the international tag rugby tournament.