Perthshire Rugby Diary

Sep 10 2010 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

IT’S that time of year again, when clubs and schools are gearing up for the coming season, and the “Perthshire Rugby Development Team” is no different.

This year sees the launch of some new initiatives to help grow rugby at grassroots level in Perthshire.

The “TRY Rugby!” programme is now in full swing, a new initiative providing rugby taster sessions to primary school kids.

The aim is to provide each primary school child with at least eight weeks of structured rugby per school year, with a view to creating a clear pathway to playing rugby at Perthshire Rugby Club.

The team is currently working with P4’s and P5’s in the Perth Grammar and St John’s clusters. This phase will culminate in a festival of rugby in October to allow for all these children to play in a competitive environment.

The “Performance Academy” has also recently been launched with eight players being selected for phase one. The players selected are, Ben Vardi (Morrisons), Peter Wootton (Morrisons), Ross Dougan (TCSOA), Damien Harrier (Perth Grammar), Craig Letham (Kinross High), Nathan Kirley (Crieff High), Ewan White (Perth High), Connor Sutherland (Perth High).

The focus of the academy is to create players equipped with the ability to perform under pressure so that their transition to senior rugby at Perthshire is seamless when they finish school.

At secondary school level sessions are now underway both during and after school.

The “Rugby Development Team” would like to encourage everyone from S1 to S4 to give it a go this year as the Inter School League is kicks off.

This is a great opportunity to get some competitive rugby through the week at school. Speak to your PE Department or Active Schools Coordinator for details of the after school clubs.

Finally, a big reminder that club sessions have begun at the Perthshire Rugby Club.

The club is situated on the North Inch and is based out of Bell’s Sports Centre. All new members are welcome whatever the age, size or ability. P4 to P7s are on a Sunday morning from 10am, S1/2 sessions take place on a Tuesday’s at 6.15pm and Sundays at 10am, U15/16s are a Monday and Wednesday at 6.45pm and U18s are a Tuesday and Thursday at 6.45pm.

If you require any more details on joining the Perthshire youth or mini section please contact Derek O’Riordan, rugby development officer on 07545 817529.