AYRA Season Successes
Holiday camps
October, Summer and Easter camps were run again with over 50 attending each session, new players mixed with players from Wanderers and Grammar youth sections and were put through their paces by AYRA coaches, lots of fun was mixed in with some important learning. Players were also encouraged and coached by Edinburgh rugby duo - Ross Rennie & Fraser Mckenzie( pictured below). As well as the camps, a skills clinic was held in february. Due to the snow, the sessions were held indoors at aberdeen sports village. this excellent facility was ideal for the running and handling programme that was unertaken by an enthusiastic band of youngsters.
School rugby
Once again I am pleased to report that the numbers of Secondary schools playing rugby in the city has increased. In fact most offer some form of rugby, ranging from tag to full blown competitive matches. of particular note is harlaw Academy who boast a squad of over 25 players from S1 and S2. Thanks must go to Mrs Bruice for her considerable input to this success.
S3 pupils from Northfield academy, Dyce academy & Bucksburn accademy came together to put their skills into practice. A number of potential future rugby stars were on show and plans to develop this group are in place.
At the competitive end Aberdeen Grammar made it to Murrayfield in the schools plate competition and returned victorious. Team captain Sam Knudson also represented Scotland at U18 level and progressed to play for the FP section in there final 2 Premier 2 matches of season 2009/10.
AYRA SVQ UPDATE.
January February....
Over the last couple of months I have been coaching at primary schools mainly, coaching primary 5 – primary 7 age grade.During January I was mainly based around Bridge of Don area. I coached in both Middleton park primary school and Glashieburn primary school. At Middleton Park I have done a 3 week block taking three classes with primary 5 – primary 6 children. They all done really well on improving their rugby skills during the classes, some were willing to further their skills and stayed on to join the after school club to play rugby and try harder skills to improve their knowledge of the game. 14 turned up to this after school club and it went very well. To make it better we have extended the time at Glashieburn primary after school club so Middleton Park kids can come down to the school and play on the grass with more kids and have fun playing rugby down there. During February things have picked up a lot and I am doing a lot more coaching in the city. I am currently at Kingswells Primary school and Airyhall Primary school for 6 weeks, coaching primary 5-7’s. Both schools have been good and are really enjoying playing rugby every week. Both these schools have only a couple of weeks left of their block but I will hopefully see some of them at a rugby club nearby as they have all been really keen to keep playing. With February only having a couple of weeks left I will still be busy with afterschool clubs at Glashieburn, Aberdeen Grammar and Cults Primary and Secondary school up to the end of term and also will be getting new blocks at some schools leading up into March. On a whole, the start of 2010 has been really good and I have been very pleased with a lot of the fun the schools are having playing rugby. I am sure that schools that get blocks into March and up to Easter time will be just as good and I will hope to see a lot of these kids again at camps that will be coming up or at their nearest club.
October Update...
October was a good month for me. I got around quite a lot of schools and managed to coach a lot of rugby. I had a 6 week block just before October with St Joseph Primary school and Ashley Road Primary, both schools did really well. The block finished with the two near by schools competing in a touch rugby festival with both schools putting in 5 teams. I have also been to Skene Square Primary and Mile End Primary, again, both schools did very well and I have been impressed with nearly all the kids attitude when learning the game.
During the October holidays we held a youth rugby festival at Groats Road Hazelhead. We had a good turn out of forty plus kids coming along for all three days to play as much rugby as they could. We all had a lot of fun, played a lot games, a few skills drills and they all got the chance to meet 2 of the professional players.
Into November I will be moving on do some more coaching somewhere else. I have already been out to Cults Primary for 2 of the four weeks which is going smoothly. I will be visiting Bridge Of Don and also Hazelhead Primary very shorty. I am looking forward to this month hoping to get around as much places as possible leading up to Christmas time. After School club at Aberdeen Grammar School games hall with be taking place every Tuesday after school so for those of you that have nothing to do after school come along and play some rugby.
August September..
AYRA have this season taken on a SVQ community coach to further develop the rugby offered around the city. Scott simpson was the succesfull candidate and in the application process showed a great interest in rugby and passion to help grow the game.
Scott will keep you updated regarly with sucesfull events and whare he will be in the comming months.
AYRA wish Scott the best of luck with the years programme.
Message from Scott:
Hi, I’m Scotty Simpson. I play scrum-half for Aberdeen Grammar u18’s and am enjoying having the opportunity to be trialling for the Caledonia Reds u18’s. I have been playing rugby since I was in primary 4 and I am now taking up the task of coaching.
I have recently just become an SVQ community coach in Aberdeen City. I am enjoying having the chance to be the coach as opposed to being the player. I have been working around the city and have been to some good schools with a lot of keen pupils that want to learn the game. In every place I have coached at whether it would be a school, after school club or a rugby camp it is great to see some of the talent the youngsters have and to be involved with bringing on their skills on the field.
Every 2 weeks I attend Murrayfield to the classroom based side of the course. Currently, I am doing work towards my UKCC level 1 along with other qualifications which I look forward to gaining later on in the year and next year.
The things I look forward to doing is gaining my UKCC level 1 and also gaining other qualifications such as Level 5 First Aid, Child Protection and also my Level 1 Refereeing Certificate. But what I mainly look forward to doing is gaining as much experience coaching on the field as I can, bringing on new players and bringing the game I love to as many players as I can.
Scotty.
Grammar U18’s 17 - Robert Gordon Seniors 34
Ruibislaw was the venue for the clash between Aberdeen rivals, Aberdeen Grammar Rugby U18s and Robert Gordon’s College U18s. The final score in the Wednesday 9th of September, evening friendly of 34-17 to RCG, in no way reflected the balance of the game and the evenness of the two teams for 60 minutes of the match.
The game kicked off at 6.15 pm, in the glorious late summer evening sunshine, and early Grammar pressure in the first few minutes led to an impressive team score finished by centre Andy Scott, who crossed from close range. Grammar continued their early domination of the game, through powerful forward play, which allowed stand off Sam Knudson to work his team into attacking positions. The first few minutes of the game however, turned on their head as a break away by RGC in the tenth minute was scored by Bevis Reid. Sam Knudson had an opportunity to hit back straight away, but his penalty attempt from in front of the posts drifted wide. Knudson’s penalty miss was compounded a couple minutes later when RGC hooker Jamie Reid ran in a try from 30 metres, which was converted by Chris Golding.
The game gathered intensity as the half developed, and the large number of spectators that cheered on the match witnessed a healthy level of niggle and banter between the city rivals. With the Grammar forwards continuing their domination of the young RGC pack, the backs were given quick ball in very promising positions, and after a good dart by scum half Scotty Simpson, Sam Knudson crossed the line and this time made no mistake with the conversion. The half looked to be ending with a level score between the two sides, however once again missed individual tackles allowed RGC number ten Sean Mills to score and give the private school boys a 19-12 halftime lead.
A halftime talk by new grammar coach Kevin Whyness, had his players fired up and ready to engage in battle again for another 35 minutes. The hunger to win the contest was evident from both sides, and a good run from RGC wing Daniel Osugo, down the outside channel came to nothing and the resulting turnover ball was kicked forward and gathered by Jordon Welsh who dived over in the corner. The Grammar dominance in the forwards began to crack however after this score, and RGC began to capitalize on their increased possession in the opposition third. A good number of phases were put together by RGC and was inevitable finished in the corner by their backs. This try was quickly followed by another by fullback Nick Grey to put the RGC U18s 12 points ahead with fifthteen minutes to play. Grammar continued to battle well and put together some great phases of play, however RGC’s increasing dominance in the contact area hampered their progress. The match was killed off nevertheless with five minutes to go with another break away try by RGC which was finished in the corner by speedster Daniel Osugo.
The final whistle concluded a great game, with the score 34-17 to Robert Gordon’s College. The game showcased some exceptional talent in both teams, which was great entertainment for the large number of spectators, and provided an advert for summer rugby and more friendly ties between the city rivals.
Aberdeen College deliver rugby Oversease
Aberdeen college sports coaching students travelled to Kenya this summer to deliver a number of sports including rugby to youths.
Lecturer Moira Cowie said "The rugby coaching went down well and we were delighted to gift the balls to the schools and to the Teacher training college when we had finished. Along with footballs, basketballs and volleyballs all the schools will be able to deliver a lot more sport as part of their programme."
Active Schools Rugby Festival
Scotland internationalist Sean Lamont today commended the enthusiasm for rugby in the Granite City as ticket sales for the Scotland v Canada match at Pittodrie breach 14,000.
The winger turned out to support Aberdeen's active schools rugby festival ahead of the Test matches against South Africa (15 November, kick-off 2.30pm , Murrayfield) and Canada (22 November, kick-off 2.45pm , Pittodrie).
As part of the festival organised by Scottish Rugby, Aberdeen youth rugby and Aberdeen Active Schools coordinators, children aged between eight and 11 took part in the one-day round-robin touch rugby event.
The camp is the latest in a series of community focused festivals supported by Scottish Rugby as part of the drive to increase participation in the game and promote the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests.
Pupils from after-schools clubs all over the region were invited to take part in the event which involved a short skills warm-up session before being mixed into teams for the non-contact matches.
Despite all the rugby fun, the highlight for the kids was the arrival of fans favourite Sean Lamont who turned out at the event to repay the support shown by the Aberdeen rugby community since the Autumn Test fixture at Pittodrie was announced.
The formidable winger, who has won 36 caps for his country, then answered a barrage of questions from the eager young players, signed autographs and had his picture taken with the youngsters.
Scotland's, Sean Lamont, said: "I've heard a lot about the work done by the rugby development staff across Scotland and it's been good to see what's been happening first hand today.
It's great to see so many young kids, many of whom are new to the game, turn up and be so enthusiastic about it. So far there's about 14,000 tickets sold for the Scotland v Canada game so let's hope everyone in Aberdeen can match the enthusiasm and sell out Pittodrie."
Regional development manager for Grampian, Pete Young, said: There's great potential to expand youth rugby in Aberdeen, especially since it was announced that Scotland are coming to Aberdeen to play Canada at Pittodrie on 22 November.
Theres already a great support for the Scotland rugby team in the region and, since the announcement, these festivals have offered a great way to keep the increasing amount of interested kids active and repay the support shown to the team.
Tickets for the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests are on sale now. They cost £20, £30 and £50 for adults and £10, £15 and £25 for under-18s for the Murrayfield matches against South Africa. The concession price is also available for full-time students for the SA match.
Tickets for the match against Canada, which will be played at Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, are also on sale now at £15, £20 and £30 for adults and £7.50, £10 and £15 for under-18s.
You can buy tickets online at www.scottishrugby.org, via the credit card hotline (telephone 0131 346 5100), or in person at the Scottish Rugby Ticket Centre, Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh EH12 5PJ. Opening hours for the ticket centre are 9am-8pm, Monday-Friday and the hotline is open 24 hours. Please note a booking fee applies to all credit card transactions.
SOS Fiarplay tournament (From SRU)
Coaches across Aberdeen believe the up and coming Scotland v Canada game at Pittodrie has already boosted the sport in the area - and anyone at the Aberdeen Youth Rugby Association kit aid festival on Sunday would have to agree.
Over 200 mini rugby players aged 8-11 from Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire turned out to play in the Aberdeen Youth Rugby Association (AYRA) fair play festival, ran in conjunction with the SOS Kit Aid collection.
The action packed day began with a round robin at each of the age groups - P4/5/6/7 - before players from each team were mixed up and divided into new sides to allow everyone to compete in a mixed round-robin at the end of the afternoon.
Colin Philips, AYRA development officer, said: "Certainly on the school visits that I do through the job there are a lot of questions asked about the Scotland v Canada Test in November and a lot of the teachers are looking forward to getting a lot of the pupils from the school out to the game.
"There certainly is bit of hype going about and the kids are really looking forward to getting down to Pittodrie and hopefully cheering on a Scotland win."
Pete Young, regional development manager for Grampian, agreed: "I've been speaking to a lot of coaches on the sideline and they were talking about getting all their players to the game in November and it's something we're encouraging all the clubs to support.
"It's an opportunity, especially for these youngsters, to see their heroes at close hand. I certainly think that having the Canada game at Pittodrie will make a huge difference to rugby in Aberdeen."
The AYRA fair play festival is just one of many rugby festivals arranged to accommodate the rising numbers of keen young rugby players in the region as a result of the work of development officers and the booming interest across the region.
Colin Philips said: "The festival provides the opportunity to play the game and have a chat with their coaches, make some changes, learn from the things they've done in the game before getting another chance to put it back in to play nice and quickly.
"Some of the clubs have got quite big squads and new players so there's plenty of opportunity to rotate round and give everybody as much game time as possible.
"All the kids love playing games as most people do, they get stuck in and they enjoy it and that's the main thing.
Pete Young added: "Festivals like these are fantastic for the development of rugby in Aberdeen. I've spoken to a lot of the clubs here today and they say that it really helps the players when they get the chance to enter festivals like this after doing the training . we're really looking at getting all the children involved in games and focus on them enjoying themselves and on practicing their skills.
"So far they all seem to be enjoying it; there are lots of smiles and kids running around which is what we want to see."
In addition to the fun happening on the pitch, the players and coaches donated boots, jerseys, socks and shoulder pads to the SOS Kit Aid charity who gather used kit from all over the UK and donate it to developing rugby countries in Eastern Europe.
Scotland play Canada at Pittodrie on 22 November (kick-off 2.45pm), tickets are available at www.scottishrugby.org or from the ticket centre hotline 0131 346 5100.
  
TOTAL RUGBY SUMMER CAMP
Over 50 young rugby players turned out to meet Edinburgh Rugby's Matt Dey and the Calcutta Cup at the Aberdeen Youth Rugby Association (AYRA) rugby camp.
As part of the camp organised by AYRA development officer Colin Philips (in partnership with club sides Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen Grammar and Aberdeen Wanderers) children aged between eight and 14 took part in the five-day camp geared towards having fun with rugby.
The camp is the latest in a series of community focused events that will run right up to the Bank of Scotland Corporate Autumn Tests after it was announced that the third and final match in the series, against Canada on 22 November, will take place at Pittodrie.
Obstacle courses, kicking practice and rugby rounders were the order of the day at the AYRA camp as well as the more traditional contact and non-contact aspects of training to play the game of rugby.
The camp later came to a deafening crescendo when Edinburgh Rugbys Matt Dey joined the on-field action before answering a barrage of questions from the eager young players, signing autographs and having his picture taken with the youngsters.
AYRA development officer, Colin Philips, said: "The children thoroughly enjoyed the visit from the Calcutta Cup and Matt Dey. Matt was well grilled in the question and answer session which gave the youngsters a pretty good insight into pro rugby which was much appreciated.
Boys and girls from a number of north-east clubs mixed and new players were introduced to the game throughout the week. The team of coaches put the players through their paces and ensured all children went home happy but tired."
Local companies, ASM - Integrated workplace solutions and TSMarine, provided financial backing for the camp as well as offering three free places to children from Printfield Community Project to the camp.
Regional development manager for Grampian, Pete Young, said: Theres great potential to expand youth rugby in Aberdeen, especially with the Scotland v Canada game being played at Pittodrie. A lot of kids are playing at after school clubs through Colin and the active schools coordinators and its up to us to build on the club to school links and get more players joining the local clubs.
The camps are a great way to keep kids active in summer and are a obviously a good opportunity for us to promote rugby and local rugby clubs as a lot of the kids who come along arent members at a club.
The next camp AYRA rugby camp is on 22 September info available from www.aberdeenyouthrugby.com.
Primary School Rugby Festival
Wednesday the 11th saw some sun in the PM and some shining talent for the future of rugby. 5 of Aberdeen City primary rugby groups gathered at Hazlehead to show of their developing rugby skills. Kingsford Lions, Oldmachar, Hazlehead, Harlaw and Tullos primary all showed that the hard work put in by them and their coaches are paying off.
From the 5 groups 6 teams were organised then well over an hour of 8-aside touch rugby games commenced. Most games were end to end rugby with some great passing and great support play producing most of the tries, although some tries came from individual brilliance in the speed and balance department.
A big well done goes to all players who took part and played in great sprit, also a big thank you to all coaches and parents who give up there time to keep the game going.
Bramble Brae Primary School kids tackle healthy eating & rugby fitness scheme
Pupils from Bramble Brae Primary School in Aberdeen were today one of the first schools in the country to be awarded their well deserved framed Scotland rugby squad certificate for taking part in a, Healthy Eating and Fitness initiative, run jointly by The Food Standards Agency Scotland and Scottish Rugby.
The kids from Aberdeen are among around 5000 school children from 160 primary schools across Scotland who will take part in this innovative initiative prior to the Easter break.
Colin Philips, Aberdeen Youth Rugby Association Development Officer is delighted by the scheme: "This is a great idea to help encourage local kids to take part in sport as well as learning about how to look after themselves - with lessons about good hygiene & healthy eating - important for any youngster, not just the budding sports stars.
"Using sports coaches is a great way to motivate kids to learn - helping to reinforce what's taught in the classroom while at the same time getting them active and exercising. And it'll also benefit local and Scottish rugby in the long term."
Lucy Hyland and Emma Prentice class teachers at Bramble Brae welcomed the opportunity: "This is just the sort of initiative we need to get pupils interested in the things that matter to all children - food hygiene, eating healthily and getting regular exercise - which we all know also helps children with their academic studies. Telling them it's important to get your five portions of fruit and veg a day and to avoid sugary and salty snacks as much as possible is one thing - getting them to do it, and exercise, is another! But this is just the sort of scheme that can make a difference and actually help change children's behaviour. As a result of this project there is now an after school rugby club running at the school"
Scotland Internationalist, Jason White, understands the importance of healthy eating: "As a professional athlete I know that food hygiene, exercise and healthy eating are three of the most important things we can teach kids today, it's important that we teach it in a fun way to keep the kids interested and that's what this scheme does."
Lydia Wilkie, Assistant Director of the Food Standards Agency Scotland, said: "We've already had a fantastic response to this scheme in many primary schools across Scotland - and we'll be looking to develop this initiative further with Scottish Rugby - to ensure that as many youngsters as possible have the opportunity to benefit from this excellent project."
The pupils taking part completed a variety of food hygiene and healthy eating activities in the classroom using a specially developed Mission Book. These lessons were reinforced by Scottish Rugby's club development staff with further learning and exercise using outdoor fun-based rugby activities.
MY DAY AS A MASCOT
My mum told me on the actual morning I was going to be mascot. I thought we were going down to watch the game, so we had got up early to catch the train to Murrayfield. We were eating our breakfast and my mum put the letter in front of me and asked me to read it!!!!! I could not eat my breakfast. I was soooooo excited but at the same time very nervous.
We got the train from Stonehaven down to Haymarket, I could not concentrate or read on the train like I normally do, I was so excited, the train could not go fast enough! We met outside with the other Mascots and their parents. I spoke to Mark Niven, one of the other mascots and we talked about rugby and our clubs we play for. We then went to the hospitality room until everyone arrived. We were then told what would happen throughout the day. We then got some lunch, which I still could not eat, my tummy was going round and round!! We were then called up one by one to go and collect our bag. Inside the bag we had a Scotland shirt; shorts and socks which we got changed into. This was very special, as we were given the new Scotland tops, now I was even more excited – if that was possible, I could not stop grinning. We then went down to the tunnel to have a practice run onto the pitch, this made me nearly explode with excitement. We went back upstairs to the room to put our rugby boots on then went back down to the tunnel. My mum and all the other parents then went to the seats to watch the rugby, they were beside the tunnel in the West Stand. We had to wait a bit, this seemed the longest time to me as I just wanted to rush out onto the pitch. We then ran onto the pitch at Murayfield, the moment my dream came true! I could hear the people clapping, this made me feel even more excited. The Scotland team then came running out and stood behind us. Nathan Hines was behind me and he asked how I was – I could hardly speak – I managed to say some words – I think – I was fine and excited and also nervous. When Flower of Scotland came on, it usually makes me feel proud, but this time it made me come out in goosebumps and was extra special. We then came off the pitch and our parents met us at the tunnel and we went to watch the game. It was a very exciting game, and the icing on the cake was Scotland won 31-21!
We then went back to the hospitality room and waited to go and see the players. This was going to be the most special moment of the day, I was nearly crying with excitement, I could not believe I was getting this chance to go and meet them. I took my autograph book and rugby ball to get signed and my camera. We were there for about ½ hr, this passed so quickly. I met all the players, including Chris Paterson; Jason White; Simon Webster; Dan Parks; Rory and Sean Lamont; Nathan Hines; Kelly Brown and Andrew Henderson. They all signed my rugby ball and I got some good photos. My favourite players are Jason White, he used to play for Aberdeen Wanderers too, so this is very special to me, I also met and talked to Rory and Sean Lamont . We then went back to the room and I could not stop grinning!! This had been the perfect day. When we walked to the train station I told my mum " I do not want this day to end, this has been the best day of my life". Even on the train home, I could not stop grinning and talking about the day. I have 2 dreams, one was to be a mascot and the second is to play for Scotland when I am older. My first dream has came true, so now I just need to work extra hard to make my second dream come true!
My mum had spoke to the local papers and they did a story on my experience. I made the front page!! They did about a half page story which we did not expect. They used a picture of myself with Rory Lamont. As Banchory is a small town, everywhere we went people kept on asking me for my autograph and asking about my day.
Mathew Morrison - Aberdeen Wanderers
RUGBY TAKES OFF AT ALBYN
New Rugby School for Aberdeen
Albyn School has recently introduced rugby as a team sport for the first time ever, both in the curriculum and as an after-school activity. The School is now fully co-ed in the primary and so rugby is offered to all in P4-7. The popularity of the sport is growing and so Albyn School is now looking for some initial friendly fixtures with other schools in the area after the Christmas holidays for their Lower (primary) 4/5 and 6/7 teams. Once the boys move into the secondary next August the plan is for rugby to become part of the secondary sports programme.
If you are interested in arranging a fixture please contact Chris Allan in the PE department on 01224 322408
MINI/MIDI COACHING UPDATE
5 coaches braved the cold to gain new ideas in wasy to develop Aberdeens youth rugby players handling skills. Shire Colts U16 squad were guinipigs for the night to demonstarte some simple games and a number of challenging drills which will assist the players in devloping there handling skills. The main theme of the night was "THE HAND CATCH". After just over 1hr of activity clear improvement could be seen and a undersatnding by players and coaches of the principals had been grasped.
More updates will follow in the new year looking at The offload, the tackle and game sense. Keep your eye on the site for times and dates.
Total Rugby Camp - October
3 days of glorious sun shine helped young rugby players enjoy their camp experience. The AYRA camp saw over 80 eight to sixteen year olds register for the camp which allowed current club players to develop their skills, new players to learn basics in the game of rugby such as running, passing, tackling and kicking and all youngsters to make new friends and have great fun.
Aberdeen Wanderers supplied the Jason White pavilion for the camp, AYRA coaches Stuart & Fraser lead sessions with assistance from casual coaching staff Morgan, Kris, Lewis & Aberdeenshire head coach Chris McCaskie. Chris, who is more used to working with senior and academy players commented "It was great to see the future having so much fun." Cameron Brown gained some coaching experience as part of his Duke of Edinburgh’s award and did a great job passing on some of the skills he has developed with Grammar youth section.
Players from NE clubs showed some great skills over the 3 days which is a credit to NE coaches. A number of prizes were awarded at the end of each day to players who caught the eye of the coaches. Notably, Ali in the oldest age group who scored some fine tries through fancy foot work and stopped just as many with some big well timed hits. At the opposite end of the age group was Craig Shepherd who showed some fine running ability and determination to score many a fine try just like his father in the may clubs he has played for.
Each child who attended received their own mini rugby ball to practice their skills further.
The next Camp will take place …..
Hope to see you all on the 19th of November!
S1/3 Schools Gathering
Wenesday 9th of October saw Harlaw Academy playingfields host the first of the seasons S1 -3 rugby Gathering. The Gathering consists of new rugby schools playing small sided games of contact rugby.
The August to October term has seen Harlaw, Hazlehead, Cults & Bankhead academies develop running, passing and tackling skills at After School sessions delivered by AYRA and this culminated in the gathering.
The gathering saw approx 60 boys playing for the majority their first semi competitive game of contact rugby. Games were refereed by coaches Morgan Ward and Colin Philips who both saw some fine rugby skills and a growth in confidence in a short period of time.
With fading light the plan is to move After School Clubs to Lunch Clubs to keep the momentum going and hopefully have Dyce and Northfield Academies joining us in future Gatherings.
Bankhead Academy S1 Gathering
Bankhead Academy held their annual S1 interhouse tag festival in the last week of term. The festival is the culmination of sessions attended in their PE classes. Results to follow soon.
Colin about to start one of the games.
North East Performance Update
With the summer over and the season underway, players from the North East have been in action both at their clubs and also for the region.
Some Highlights:
* During the Summer, Andrew Cook and Matthew Reid were selected for a 3week training camp in Valldolid,Spain with the Scotland U18 Squad.
* 12 identified players have been working with Rob Currie (strength and conditioning coach) at the excellent gym facilities at Robert Gordons University twice per week
* 8 players have been selected for Caledonia U17s
* 3players selected for Caledonia U18 Clubs select
* 6players in with a chance to be selected for Caledonia U16s
* U15/U16 Pathway program, 1 win each during program
* Specialist coaching program for Identified players and coaches
* Kevin Wyness and Richie Anderson coaching Caledonia u16 and u17
respectively
Any questions please contact David Ross, Performance Development Manager
david.ross@sru.org.uk - 07793590087
After School Rugby Opportunities
Below are a list of rugby sessions around the city in term 1. If you are interested in attending head along where you can register with the coach. Sessions are for P4 to 7 boys and girls and will run until October break.
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Day
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Venue
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Start Date
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Time
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Monday
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Cults Academy Playing-field
Torry Sports Centre
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3rd Sept
3rd Set
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6-7pm
4-5pm
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Tuesday
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Harlaw Playing fields
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28th Aug
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4-5pm
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Wednesday
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St-Machar Academy playing- fields
Catto Park, Cove
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5th Sept
5th Sept
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4-5pm
4-5pm
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Thursday
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Hazlehead Academy astro-turf
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13th Sept |
5-6pm |
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Friday
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Oldmachar playing-fields
Dyce primary playing-fields
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7th Sept
7th Sept
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3:45-4:45
3:15 –4:15
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AYRA SUMMER CAMPS:WEEK 4
This week's sessions developed into some contact rugby, with Robbie and Stuart taking the groups through the basics of the tackle.... EYE TO THIGH..CHEEK TO CHEEK..AND BAND OF STEEL.....could be heard all around the city.
By the end of the 4 weeks, the new players have developed running, passing, tackling and kicking skills to a standard suitable to join one of Aberdeen's youth rugby sections.
The 6 try rugby camps saw a total of 69 players attend 2 or more of the sessions, Hopefully the players have enjoyed their experience and will join us at future events.
AYRA move from try rugby camps to total rugby where over 85 players from the city will be put through their paces. Coaches have a number of fun, challenging and new games and drills for the players to attempt. For older age groups skills & fitness will be the theme of the week, preparing the players for a tough season ahead.
If not yet registered for total rugby come along on Monday to Woodside sports complex and sign up there. 10 am start for the camp, boots and packed lunch is all you will need. If you require more info call 01224 814562.
AYRA SUMMER CAMPS: WEEK 3
Week 3 went well with good numbers at all camps. Underfoot conditions was not the best for fast flowing rugby however the groups made the best of it.
We had some new faces at the St Machar and Sheddocksly camps which was great to see. Week 4 may see an introdution to contact rugby, with groups being lead through the basics of tackling.
Spaces are still available on our final summer camp - call 01224 814562 for further information.
AYRA SUMMER CAMPS: WEEK 2
One word describes start of week and that is WET! - Unfortunately Tullos and Westburn park camps were cancelled. Tuesday was not much brighter but it was dry. Sheddocksly group continued on developing from week 1 with Dominic again showing off some of his balanced running to score some fine tries. Tuesday PM was slightly brighter, Shane Joined us for the first time and showed the group a clean pair of heels on a number of occasion. Deans hair was dazzling as were some of his breaks to set up his team mates for some tries.
Wednesday did not hold out much hope with a wet start. Low numbers put camp in doubt but with a quick phone call some extra bodies were drafted in. With wet slippy rugby balls you could have excused dropped balls, however this was not needed as running and passing was top drawer. Previous Visits by Stuart to Muirfield primary school have paid off with players remembering some rugby essentials.
Thursday am in Dyce was very wet underfoot, finding a reasonably dry area was task 1. Again low numbers allowed some special attention to players skills which will hopefully help produce some more rugby stars from the Dyce area.
What will Week 3 Hold...Sun (we Hope) ...More rain ( probably)....Snow ( there is every Chance)...
If interested in attending any of the sessions just call 01224 814562 to register. The Total rugby camp from 6th to 10th of August is filling fast for more information on this camp click on the following link: http://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/ACCI/web/site/Sports/spr_Big_LotteryActive.asp or call for more information.
AYRA SUMMER CAMPS: WEEK 1
The programme of summer rugby started well this week with glorious sunshine at Tullos Playing fields in Torry. Rob and Stewart put the youngsters through their paces. Some great running and passing was demonstrated in the games and drills, with some new players picking up these essintial skills very quickly. Monday afternoon saw Rob and Colin visit Westburn Park where again the sun shone and the rugby skills were also proved for a bright future.
Tuesday saw more traditional Scottish rugby weather - clowdy and wet - but this did not deter the Sheddocksly and Cove groups turning out for more rugby activity.
Wednesday saw a return of the sun and the small group at St Machar academy made the most of it. The session finished with a highly competitive and close game of touch rugby where some outstanding tries were scored.
With a small group at Dyce players were put through there paces. lots of games to develop runnung and passing skills .
We have 3 more weeks of rugby at these venues and there are still spaces available for interested parties. Call 01224 814562 for more information or registration.
PRIMARY 4 TO 7 RUGBY FESTIVAL REPORT
Glorious sunshine met the 120 or so participants at the Summer Term After School Rugby Festival held at Sheddocksly sports centre. The council had even cut the grass in preparation for the fast running rugby that was to follow. A grand total of 14 After School Clubs and Primary schools were represented, making up 12 teams of 8 players plus substitutes. The 12 teams were then put into 2 groups of 6 teams, ensuring that all the teams would get a minimum of 5 games. The games were played over 4 pitches with 2 teams resting (soaking up the sun). The games were all "touch rugby".
Touch rugby is a non tackling version of the full game, tackles instead being made by way of a 2 handed touch around the waist of an opponent with the ball being passed within 3 steps/seconds of being "tackled". It is an ideal introduction to rugby and is used as a stepping stone towards full
contact rugby.
The games started off at a frantic pace with some tremendous fast flowing open rugby being played, which led to some fantastic team and individual scores. The games were only 8 minutes long but the lack of time didn't worry the kids as they flew up and down the pitch in search of some tries. There were particularly good efforts from Bramble Brae and Causewayend primaries who worked really well as a team despite having not been playing for very long, (3 weeks in Causewayend's case). This only goes to show how easy touch rugby is to take up and how quickly the children can adapt to rugby and be able to compete after only a short time playing. There were
also other good performances from the boys from Torry ASC, the all girls and 1 boy from Oldmacher ASC, the hosts Sheddocksly ASC and also the lions form Kingsford Primary.Overall there were hundreds of tries scored, so many infact that the referees lost count!
Special thanks go to Sheddocksly Sports Centre, Robbie, Scott, Wendy and all the other active school co ordinators, the parents teachers and helpers and last but not least, all the children for taking part in the After School Rugby Clubs and for making the festival such a success.
We look forward to seeing them all at the summer rugby in July and the
Rugby Camp in August.
Fraser And Stewart
TRY RUGBY SUMMER CAMPS -
FREE RUGBY COACHING
A series of coaching sessions will take place in the following areas through the first 4 weeks of the school summer break for 8 to 11 year olds.
Tullos Playing Fields - Mondays 10am to 12noon
Sheddocksly Sports Centre - Tuesdays 10am to 12noon
Dyce Academy Playing fields - Thursdays 10am to 12noon
Westburn Park - Mondays 2pm to 4pm
Catto Park, Cove - Tuesdays 2pm to 4pm
St Machar Academy Playing Fields - Wednesday 2pm to 4pm
For Futher information and registration please use the link bellow:
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/sports
TOTAL RUGBY CAMP
5 day camp developing running, passing, catching, kicking, tackling skills.
Games, skills, drills, competitions & prizes for 8 to 16 year olds.
Lots of FUN!!!!
Woodside Sports Complex
Beginning Monday 6th August - 1am to 4pm
For more information or registration follow the link bellow:
www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/sports
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