Magners League Official Website : Warriors delighted with success of ‘Community Thursday’

Warriors delighted with success of ‘Community Thursday’

13 December 2005, 10:19 am

By Jonathan McConnell

During the month of November, Glasgow Warriors players have been participating in a brand new pilot scheme - Community Thursday.

In conjunction with local rugby development officers & SVQ rugby club community coaches, Warriors players have been visiting rugby clubs, schools and universities, working with boys, girls, men and women. The Warriors players and coaches dedicated every Thursday afternoon and evening to participate in the scheme and on only four dates they managed an amazing 26 visits, met over 500 participants and over 30 Warriors players were involved.

Colin Reid of Scottish Rugby’s community marketing dept said: “We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback. The Warriors players who were not on international duty visited schools and clubs to run training sessions and pass on their tips and skills to the youth teams. The local rugby development officers worked alongside our department and the Warriors to co-ordinate visits throughout the month and it was such as success that plans are underway to repeat the programme during the forthcoming RBS 6 Nations tournament.

“It is hoped that we can continue to develop the pro-team’s relationship with the wider community which will not only will assist with developing the game at grass roots level but will also benefit pro rugby in Glasgow in the longer term.

“A great example of this is Carrick Academy in South Ayrshire where they have a vibrant and successful rugby club and have attended a number of Scotland and Glasgow Warriors matches. We were therefore very keen to support them so Sam (Pinder) and Calvin (Howarth) went along to help at a session. Through our innovative 50% Cashback scheme the school then came to a Warriors match to cheer the boys on and at the same time raised enough money to buy drill tops for all their players.”