A new school for coaching starlets

Rugby academy to teach stars of tomorrow

An Ayr secondary school is hoping to develop the next generation of elite rugby coaches.

Kyle Academy has been chosen as the base for a new coaching school.

Run in partnership with Ayr Rugby Club, the project is part of the Developing Young Workforce ( DYW) initiative.

Also on board are South Ayrshire Council and the Prince’s Trust with plans worth £ 9,260 funded by Ayr Community Rugby Trust, DYW Ayrshire, the Prince’s Trust and Kyle Academy.

The project will provide students with the key elements needed to become a coach in the game.

Pupils will also be given the opportunity to gain certification up to the equivalent of higher level and more than 20 hours of practical coaching delivery working with more than 100 young people as well as children from associated primary schools.

Mary Byrne, head teacher at Kyle, said: “We know there’s a demand for the coaching and our great connections with the local rugby network mean that this new project is well placed to deliver practical skills that can be used for a lifetime.

“We’re hoping to see a new generation of rugby coaches emerge from the Academy as we tackle the skills gap and provide first- class opportunities for our young people.”

Councillor William Grant, South Ayrshire Council’s spokesman for children and young people, added: “We’re committed to working with partners to improve training and employability opportunities for our young people, and this latest project has the potential to build skills, confidence and increase career prospects.

“The strong partnership with Ayr Rugby Club will help to deliver a practical experience that will make the project particularly attractive to people taking part and I look forward to seeing people progress through the ranks in the months ahead.”

UKCC Coaching certificates, alongside appropriate work experience could give young people an edge when applying for apprenticeships and post school jobs in this sector and beyond.

Claire Baird, DYW Ayrshire Project Executive, said: “We’re proud to support the Rugby Coaching Academy project and the potential for providing employment opportunities for young people in a growing sector.”

Walter Smith, Prince’s Trust Ayrshire Chair, added: “The project will allow the young people to develop the soft skills that potential employers are looking for, including communication, commitment, teamwork and selfevaluation.”