New Dalziel Rugby Club team praised in Parliament
Dalziel Rugby Club have been recognised in the Scottish Parliament after launching their first girls’ youth team.
Scottish Greens MSP for Central Scotland Gillian Mackay put forward a motion in parliament last week to mark the launch of the new Under 14 Dalziel Rugby Club team in Motherwell.
The club made the move after already putting together a successful local high school team last year and were keen to expand on this.
Ms Mackay launched a motion in parliament marking the move, and she told Press Sport: “I was delighted to learn that Dalziel Rugby Club in Motherwell are launching their first ever girls’ youth rugby team.
“Women’s and girls’ rugby is one of the fastestgrowing sports in the world and I commend Scottish Rugby on their recent #Bethebestyou campaign! Thanks to all MSPS who have supported this motion.”
Darren Moon, Dalziel Rugby Club’s development officer, has been blown away by the response to the new team and hopes they can now go from strength to strength.
He said: “The girls’ youth team is something that has been on the cards for a while and really was the next step for the club.
“We were lucky enough to secure coach, Lynn Penman, who will take the team.
“Rugby is a sport that relies heavily on volunteers so it’s really just been a matter of getting that support put in place.
“Women and girls rugby is one of the fastest growing-sports in the world and there are loads more opportunities and funding now available to clubs and this is something we’ve been able tap into.
“We run a terrific programme alongside Dalziel High School, with the help and support from Graham Calder, who has been a massive influence and has helped to develop all of this.
“So far we’ve had a great response from the girls looking to get involved and are really looking forward to building on this.”
The club are looking forward to getting current players together with Dalziel High School players and surrounding schools, from ages, P7, S1 and S2.
Training will be held on Thursdays at Dalziel Park from 6pm-7.30pm. Anyone looking for further information on the team can log onto Dalziel Rugby Club’s Facebook page or alternatively email: do@dalzielrugby.com.