Summer camp was a huge success
Hamilton Rugby Club’s Summer Camp was voted a resounding success last month.
Kids enjoyed five days of rugby activities and fun summer games, with the aim of introducing new players to the sport, allow current players to play more rugby, and in general get children active over the summer.
The club was delivered by the Laigh Bent club’s community coaches and Young Coach Academy coaches. The Young Coach Academy is a programme the club runs to support 16-18 year-olds in developing their coaching skills.
Rugby Development officer Steven Meenagh said:“the camp was a great success and each player left with a smile every day. “It has been a while since the club rolled out a camp, but it is something we want to roll out regularly for the community.”
Hamilton Rugby Club plan to run an October camp during the October week, specifically for S1 and S2 pupils.
Over the summer, under-13 and under-14 skills camps have been introduced by the club, with the aim of giving young players an opportunity to develop their individual skills.
It has been led by Steven Meenagh and Academy coach Jonny Smith.
Steven said:“the skills camp is an opportunity for players to develop their individual skills outside of their normal training. “The players have received a lot of one-to-one feedback, and took part in six sessions over two weeks. “The work-rate of the players has been fantastic, and their input to discussions is impressive, considering their age.”
Jonny Smith commented:“the skills camp has given us an opportunity to support players and introduce them to a lot of the areas we will work on when we start the Bulls Academy in September.”
Tartan Touch has been a huge success at the club as well, with over 60 participants, aged from five to 50-plus enjoying the touch version of the game.
Steven Meenagh hopes this continues to grow, having been rolled out by Scottish Rugby three years ago.
He said:“tartan Touch is a fantastic programme to bring people into the game that are new, allow players to return to the game and to keep people of all ages active over the summer.”
Tartan Touch co-ordinator Jim Browning said:“each year Tartan Touch has got bigger and more successful, with young and old players coming together to play.
“Even after the touch games, it is great to see everyone sitting together and eating food, while talking about rugby!”
Hamilton Rugby Club’s annual Beer Festival is on Saturday, August 10.
Beers from all over the country will be available, and there will be fun for all the family.
A children’s inflatable zone will be in place, there will be a Tartan Touch pitch and a Big Bulls Assault Course for‘older kids’.
Event organiser Tony Malley said:“we welcome all members of our community to the rugby club for what is the biggest social event of the year in Hamilton.”
Steven Meenagh said:“this will be my first beer festival and I can’t wait.
“I love that the event has something for everyone! I will be taking the lead on the Tartan Touch pitch and the Big Bulls Assault Course that is for all ages, so make sure you come and see us!”