County’s blueprint for new academy
Stirling County have announced plans for their new Rugby Academy, building on the success of the club’s highly-regarded junior section.
The club has produced a prospectus which sets out County’s aspirations in terms of rugby development from Mini to Under-18 level; and includes the club’s rugby philosophy, academy and training/ playing structure and performance development programme.
Club president Kevin Robertson said: “Stirling County have been at the forefront of rugby development over the past four decades, and we currently have more than 300 boys and girls from the ages of seven to 18, regularly training and playing in matches and tournaments throughout the country and beyond, as part of our successful Mini, Midi and Youth Rugby sections at Bridgehaugh.
“County’s Under-18s have been national youth champions five times in the past eight years, our Under- 16s are currently joint national champions, and our Under- 15s and Under- 18s are current holders of their respective age-grade Caledonia Cups.”
Next season, under Scottish Rugby’s new approach to Club Youth Rugby, County’s Under-13 (S1) to Under-18 age-grade teams will compete against the top club sides in a national conference league and will also play matches against independent school teams, while the Mini Rugby section will continue to play a schedule of matches and tournaments.
Kevin added: “Developing our rugby talent is central to Stirling County’s objectives and we are further investing in the necessary infrastructure, including a new £92,000 purpose-built strength and conditioning facility at Bridgehaugh, to provide our young players with the best opportunities to progress to the best of their abilities in sport, and follow in the footsteps of many of their predecessors who, having learned their rugby at Stirling County, have gone on to play rugby at the highest level with professional teams and represent Scotland at international level.”
There are also opportunities for local businesses to sponsor or support the Rugby Academy, working in partnership with Stirling County, for the wider community benefit.
For more details on Stirling County’s Rugby Academy or to discuss rugby development opportunities at Bridgehaugh, please contact the club’s development o f f i c e r at stewartmilne@outlook.com.