Select a region
111 children took part in a summer rugby camp last week run by the Guernsey Rugby Association (GRA).
Sponsored by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, the camp was aimed at helping young players develop their rugby skills during the school holidays under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Sessions took place at KGV from Monday to Thursday with training for all levels of experience, with separate groups for the U6s through to U16s.
At the start of the week the players undertook a number of skill-based tests based on five core rugby skills: evasion, running, handling, kicking and tackling.
The coaches focused on developing these areas and observed the players’ improvement over the course of the week. At the end of the camp each child was graded on their progress and presented with a certificate and medal.
The week ended with games for each age group on Friday at the Garenne Stand at Footes Lane followed by a BBQ.
Alongside the team of local coaches and players the children had the chance to learn from Championship League team, the Cornish Pirates, who were in the island to play against Guernsey on Friday.
Guernsey rugby development officer, Steve Melbourne, said: “The feedback on the camp from players and parents has been very positive. It was great to see the children improve over the week and get to grips with the core skills of the game. Having the Cornish Pirates players to do some of the coaching really added something special to the camp.
“The coaches also gained a great deal of experience as some had only completed their coaching course a week or so before. This gave them a great opportunity to develop their coaching style.”
Andy Finch, head of wealth management at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management in Guernsey, said: “It was fantastic to see the camp fully subscribed and so many young players enjoying the sport.
“We are pleased to support programmes such as this which encourage interest in the game and promote a healthy lifestyle amongst our young islanders.”
