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A record number of children benefited from rugby training sessions at this year’s Guernsey Rugby Association (GRA) Summer Rugby Camp, sponsored by Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management.
In its second year the five day camp was fully subscribed with 125 young players, both boys and girls, participating. The camp aimed to develop their rugby skills under the guidance of Guernsey Rugby Development Officer, Steve Melbourne, and the GRA Rugby Development team.
The camp, which took place in August at the Elizabeth College Memorial Field, offered training for all levels of experience, with separate group sessions for 5-11 year olds and 12-16 year olds.
The various sessions focused on developing core skills such as running, passing, contact and kicking, and the training was tailored depending on the areas needing more practice.
The older age groups also took part in presentations and practical sessions on nutrition, strength and conditioning and track training.
All age groups had the chance to put what they had learnt to the test in a series of games conditioned to allow every player to show off their new skills. Every player received a certificate highlighting their areas of improvement during a presentation on the last day of the camp.
Andy Finch, head of wealth management at Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, said: “It gives us great pleasure to sponsor this event which helps to generate an interest in rugby amongst our young islanders.
“The Summer Rugby Camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to hone their skills in a fun and engaging way under the guidance of experienced coaches.
“Steve and the GRA do so much in our schools to develop the game and Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management is very pleased to support their work.”
The GRA Rugby Development team provided over 50 hours per week of coaching time in the island’s schools last year. All funds raised from the Summer Rugby Camp go towards providing this additional rugby coaching support.
Steve Melbourne, Guernsey Rugby Development Officer, said: “It was great to have a fully subscribed Summer Rugby Camp for the second year.
“We saw a huge improvement in all the players and it is really encouraging to see them developing some of the core skills of the game during the week.
“Many of these young players take part in weekly training sessions so having the chance to participate in a focused, week-long camp offers these young players invaluable coaching time ahead of the new season and the opportunity to learn from some of the island’s top rugby players and coaches.
“On behalf of all the players and coaches a massive thanks goes to Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management for their continued support of rugby development in the island.”
