In September I started in my role as the Club Community Rugby Officer for Leinster Rugby. The role involves travelling to primary and secondary schools within a close radius of the club and running the Leinster Tag Rugby program. This program is run over 6 weeks, with a Tag Blitz day to be held at the conclusion of the program.
The idea is to get into not only ‘rugby schools’ but also the schools where rugby may not be as popular, introduce them to the sport and simply get a ball in their hands and having fun. The best result from this is that pupils will be encouraged then to become members of the club and continue with their rugby. The schools have been very accommodating and have been only too happy to have me in and run the program and the kids certainly enjoy it.
To date, the schools I have been running the program in include Our Lady of the Wayside NS Kilternan, Good Shepherd NS Nutgrove, Taney Primary Dundrum, Devine Word Marley Grange, Our Lady’s NS Ballinteer, St. Attracta’s Ballinteer, Church of Ireland Kilternan, Queen of Angels Sandyford and St Mary’s & St. Gerard’s School Enniskerry. Some schools have quite high numbers of pupils already members of clubs, with about 90% of those kids, members of Salmo. While other schools would have very little, if any, that would play rugby at all. It is in these schools I really enjoy seeing their improvement over the 6 weeks as their skills develop.
Paddy Dufficy (U13) & Michael Connolly (U12), both of St Marys & St Gerards, Enniskerry
The club has a very strong mini/youth section, and another aspect of my role is to work with the teams and coaches in the club. Recently I have been present on Sunday mornings, watching the teams train and play. The high numbers playing, the support of the parents and especially the hard work and enthusiasm of the coaches was something that really made an impact on me. It’s mind blowing when you think that all the coaches volunteer their own time to be there and a huge amount of credit must go to them for the organisation, dedication and hard work they put in to ensure the kids enjoy their rugby. No club can operate without these volunteers and if this is the yardstick for what makes a great club, then Salmo would be up there with the best.
I’m looking forward to running this program in the schools through until the end of the academic year and help encourage these kids to be part of our great game and part of Salmo.
Wishing all members a safe and happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
C’mon Salmo!
Vic