Club Development Officer - Last Updated 18/12/2007 15:32

Peebles RFC Development News

Peebles Player selected for Murrayfield!!!

I am delighted to announce that Peebles RFC will have a representative on the Murrayfield turf prior to the RBS 6 Nations game against France on Sunday 3rd February 2008.  Having secured a Scotland Mascot place for someone from the Peebles area William Napier from Kingsland PS was selected to stride out with the Scotland team onto the pitch.  It’s going to be a great day for him as he gets a tour of the stadium, kitted out with full Scotland strip, walk out before the game and then meet the players after the match to get photos/autographs. 

Primary Schools

I have now completed the second block of inputs to the areas Primary Schools this time it was the turn of the P7 classes to get out onto the playing fields and participate in the game.  All the classes put a tremendous amount of effort into the practices and games with the teacher in one class also taking a full and active part in the games – well done Mrs Musgrave!!!

In the new term I will round off the Primary programme with the P6 classes and some of them will also be taking part in a new initiative with the Food Standards Agency looking at healthier lifestyles along with sport.

I will also be looking to finish off the year with another Festival similar to the one run in October – more details to follow.

Peebles High School

The High School teams have continued their good run of form with particularly good wins over North Berwick High School and Gala Academy.  The sessions at lunchtime are well attended, with the P.E staff and myself impressed with the development of the players in all teams.

Some of the S3 squad have begun their Strength & Conditioning programme which is delivered by myself on behalf of the Borders College and gives the participants a recognised qualification at the conclusion of the course.  The emphasis is on specific exercises which are related directly to actions on the rugby field, thus improving their rugby skills whilst working in the gym.

The girls rugby has proved popular with a “hard-core” of players attending training on Friday lunchtimes.  A few more girls there would be great to see and allow us to progress onto more game-based practices.  Some of the girls teamed up with Gala and attended a tournament in November and came away unbeaten – well done to all involved.

The school now have their Christmas break and in the new term I am looking to change the timings of the U-16(S4) training times from after school.  The training will be on Wednesday and one other day during lunchtime so more of that year wil have access to the training.  The first training session during lunchtimes will be Wednesday 9th January 2008 – so all S4 players & potential players be there and keep an eye on the notice-board for more details.

Club News

The newly established “Colts Development XV” has been in action recently notching up 2 impressive victories over a Kelso Development XV.  These games allow players who are maybe not getting a lot of game-time at U-16 and Colts level the chance to get out onto the field and play some rugby.  Well done to the team for those good victories.

Refereeing Course

Having linked up with Iain Heard, the Referee’s Development Officer for the Borders, we arranged a Level 1 Course held at Peebles HS on 12th December.  It was attended by 11 potential referees with a mixture of High School pupils and some more mature students.  I am pleased to say everyone passed and this gives us a bigger pool of ref’s to call on to initially officiate at mini/schools/Dev XV games but we may find the next Mr Changleng from this crop of fledgling whistlers!!!

Foundation Coaching Course

Having recently completed the Coach Educators Course at Murrayfield I am now in a position to run a localised course for all potential and current Coaches of Mini/Tag/New Image Rugby.  This was part of the Club Development Plan for the Development Officer to be able to deliver these courses in Peebles which will hopefully be more attractive to potential volunteers rather than having to travel some distance in order to take part. 

The date of the course is Saturday 5th January at The Gytes, time TBC. See the rugby club & Peebles HS notice-boards and the website (www.peeblesrfc.org) for more details.

It is a course designed for those coaching younger players with a small amount of classroom input but mainly practical sessions out on the training field. 

If you are interested in attending please get in touch with me and you will receive further details.  If there is anyone from another club or area wishing to attend you are more than welcome to take part.

All that remains for me to do is wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and if you have any questions please get in touch.

Graeme Paterson, Peebles RFC Development Officer.

Tel – 07812 028 172  Email- graemeipaterson@aol.com

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