Producer backs rugby academy
Scottish Sea Farms has given a £2,000 grant to a project that aims to help young rugby players stay engaged with the sport after leaving school.
A new Rugby Academy is being established by Oban and Lorne Rugby club which will create a link between players leaving high school and starting to play senior rugby. This is a period when many talented players often lose contact with the sport because of a lack of activity and support.
Murray Hamilton, the youth convener at the club and the Principal PE Teacher at Oban High school, commented: “We hope to provide support and opportunities for young players 15+ to reach their full potential in the sport, and indeed encourage new players to take up the sport for the first time. This would not be possible without the support of Scottish Sea Farms; given our rural location we feel it is important that we try to offer our players the same opportunities as those in the Central Belt, the Scottish Sea Farms grant is making this possible. We are always looking for local coaching support and adult volunteers to be involved with Rugby development in the Oban area and I would encourage anyone who is interested to get in touch with me directly.”
The Scottish Sea Farms Heart of the Community funding will help to provide specialised coaching sessions, strength and conditioning programmes, cover some travel costs and assist with new kit and equipment.
Jonathan Sayer, who is an Environmental Scientist with Scottish Sea Farms based at South Shian, has been involved with the Oban & Lorne Rugby Club as fundraising convenor.
“This will really help young people stay active and involved with the sport of rugby and means we will have an increase in young players entering the senior squads. It’s really good news for the area and I have been delighted that Scottish Sea Farms has been able to help with the Heart of the Community funding,” he said.
