With the Rugby World Cup now in full swing the London Scottish community team have been busier than ever delivering sessions in the local community.
On Saturday 19th September the Athletic Ground played host to 70 pupils from both Collis Primary School and The Kingston Academy. Pupils from both schools attend the ground for a match day experience as London Scottish took on Bedford Blues in the Greene King IPA Championship.
Prior to kick off all pupils attended a coaching masterclass ran by the London Scottish community team and professional players before standing as the Guard of Honour for the professional fixture.
In the lead up to the World Cup both schools received a full week of rugby coaching by members of the London Scottish community team. The sessions were a great success with all pupils receiving a 30 minute taster session before putting it all into practice in a World Cup tournament run by the school on the Friday.
Community Development Manager Ross Peacock has been enjoying the coaching throughout the World Cup.
“It's been an absolutely fantastic week and it's great to see everyone getting behind such a great tournament. The week has been about raising awareness of the game and getting as many kids playing rugby as possible which we managed and it was great to see so many youngsters enjoying the great game.”
“Inviting both schools down to the Athletic Ground for a match day experience was hugely important to me, we do so much work in the community day to day and on the back of that it's important that everyone at the school, pupils, staff, parents and other family members get the opportunity to come down to the ground and find out all that is on offer.”
Following the great success of these sessions the club have now established a working relationship with both schools and will be working with them closely throughout the year to develop and support the schools' rugby programme. We caught up with James Loizos Head of Sport at Collis Primary School to get his thoughts.
“The London Scottish coaches worked tirelessly throughout the week, with amazing enthusiasm for the game and delivered brilliant, interactive, fun sessions for all of our 720 children.
I have never received so many positive messages from staff and parents. They have helped create a real buzz about rugby throughout the whole school and I've never seen so many rugby balls flying around our playing field at break times!
We are throughly looking forward to working with Ross and his team again in the very near future.”
The London Scottish community team continue to deliver sessions in the local community. Should you require more information about the London Scottish community programme or would like to book a coaching session for your school or club please visit our website www.londonscottish.com or contact Community Development Manager Ross Peacock on ross.peacock@londonscottish.com.
Mini's Rugby Update
Sunday 27th September saw the London Scottish mini's section play their second away fixture of the season. With the U6's and U7's choosing to train at home all other age groups travelled to Twyford Avenue to play fixtures against host club WASPS and local side Ealing.
Following two weeks away from the Athletic Ground this weekend, Sunday 4th October, see's the return of all mini's age groups when the club host Grasshoppers for a friendly fixture across all age groups.
If you would like more information about the London Scottish mini & junior section please visit our website or contact Community Development Manager Ross Peacock at ross.peacock@londonscottish.com.
