Rugby: Kids scrum on down for rugby fun

Oct 14 2009 by Colin Paterson, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

A NEW rugby programme for high school pupils in Monklands has been given the thumbs-up.

Kids from seven schools have been playing in composite groups since a partnership deal was signed by head teachers at the start of the year.

Rugby Youth is designed to give pupils from Airdrie Academy and Caldervale, Chryston, Coatbridge, St Ambrose, St Andrew’s and St Margaret’s High schools the chance to play against their counterparts elsewhere in the country.

The programme also addresses issues such as bigotry and discrimination, warns of the dangers of drugs and smoking and encourages youngsters to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

It forms part of schools’ Curriculum for Excellence and focuses on developing friendships and offering support to a partnership rugby programme in Malawi.

The kids recently had the opportunity to showcase their skills when they welcomed teams representing Ayr’s Wellington School to Dunbeth Park in Coatbridge.

The fledgling players, from the S1 to S6 age groups, competed well against their highly-rated opponents during a hard-fought tournament.

Healthy lifestyle project co-ordinator, Charles Fawcett, said: “The facilities at Dunbeth have allowed us to create a rugby hub where boys and girls from local secondary schools can come along and play at their own level.

“With the emphasis on access and participation, new players, regardless of their present rugby ability, are most welcome.”

Councillor Jim Logue added: “This initiative has proven to be a great success at a time where North Lanarkshire is actively promoting a broader variety of sporting opportunities for our youngsters.

“It is rooted in the community and I give it my full support and encouragement.

“The head teachers of the local secondary schools involved have shown tremendous vision in signing up to a formal partnership agreement which will ensure involvement from all areas within the community.”

Rugby Youth is supported by North Lanarkshire Council, NL Leisure, Sense Over Sectarianism and Waysiders/Drumpellier RFC.

Backing for the project has also come from REC Asbestos Removal, Scaffolding Scotland, Forsyth’s Fresh Fruit, Strathclyde Police, Avrill Tool and Plant Hire and the Scottish Rugby Union.