Club Development Officer - Last Updated 31/10/2007 22:15

Peebles RFC Development News – by Graeme Paterson

As the rugby season continues here are some of the activities and events that have been happening around the area.

Primary Schools

The second block of sessions has started with the P7’s now the main focus of my attention in the Primary Schools of  Peeblesshire.  They will receive 3 sessions of rugby over the coming weeks which will give them a taste of rugby which may lead to them taking up the sport through the weekend Mini-Rugby. 

A Festival will be arranged for the P7’s as well, however this will be during the better weather next spring and away from the busy lead up to Christmas.

High School

High School rugby continues to flourish with both the U-18 and U-15 teams still in the main Bell Lawrie Cup, with games scheduled for the next 2 weeks (details from school or Peebles RFC website).  The U-18’s have a long trip up to Robert Gordons College in Aberdeen while the U-15 have a tricky tie against the winners of the Edinburgh Academy/Loretto School fixture.

I have been recently started an introduction to rugby for all High School girls during Friday lunchtimes, on the High School pitches.  The response has been excellent and I am hoping that this trial run will turn into a permanent fixture in the diary.  The Scottish Women's Rugby Union is hoping to set up Girls U-15 & U-18 squads in the areas and these sessions will hopefully feed the players into that system.

Strength & Conditioning course will be starting this month for the S3 male age group where the students will be put through a syllabus over 25 weeks covering theory of exercise, weightlifting techniques, speed and agility exercises with successful students receiving a recognised qualification.

Coaching

Foundation Level (Minis) – Local, Peebles based course planned for early December for all prospective Mini-Rugby coaches.

UKCC Level 1 (Midi to Adult) – Next course is likely to be in January 2008 so get your name in now if interested.  This course will bring you up to date with coaching techniques to assist you coaching all levels from 12yrs upwards.  Excellent, practical course with the emphasis on “how to coach” rather than technical overload!!!

As highlighted in the Peebles RFC website there is a real need for referee’s at the moment.  We need people to take up this vital role now in order to support the growing numbers of youngsters playing the game in this area.  Please go the website (www.peeblesrfc.org), read the article and if you can help get in touch with me.  The quicker I can get names then the quicker I can arrange a course.

If you are interested in any course please get in touch with me to arrange it.  We are hoping to operate some form of “Reward Scheme” in the club for those willing to undertake the various courses and put them to good use throughout the various sections.

If you have any questions or suggestions regarding rugby in the area please get in touch with me through email (graemeipaterson@aol.com) or telephone (07812 028 172)

back