Boclair and Balfron pupils line up for Glasgow Warriors challenge

Boclair Academy and Balfron High School will both do battle in the 2018 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.

The competition was launched last week at Scotstoun Stadium, home of Glasgow Warriors, by Warriors players Pat MacArthur and Matt Fagerson and pupils from participating schools.

A total of 25 schools from across the west, central and southern Scotland will take part in the tournament which will see more than 1000 girls and boys compete at Scotstoun during seven weeks of action.

The competition aims to showcase the rugby stars of tomorrow, provide new opportunities to raise awareness of the sport at grassroots level and promote active and healthy lifestyles to young people.

Each participating school will take part in qualifying rounds at Scotstoun, beginning at the end of February, and will have teams competing at S1 and S2 level boys’ teams as well as an under-15s girls’ team.

Winners will progress to a semi-finals stage then a final which will be played on the main pitch at Scotstoun.

Throughout the Championship, pupils will get an opportunity to meet and learn from members of the Glasgow Warriors squad who will be attending each day of competitive action.

The 2018 champions will not only take home the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship trophy but will also win and brand new rugby kit for their school.

Scottish Rugby Business Development Manager Al Kellock, said: “Our partnership with SP Energy Networks allows us to be more engaged than we ever have been with community rugby.

“The more kids we have playing the game in this country the better, producing active kids with healthy bodies and healthy minds. Our home games at Scotstoun now see up to 150 kids from clubs and schools taking part in our community programme led by our brilliant community team.

“Our players are out and about in schools and clubs regularly taking coaching sessions and delivering key messages to help promote rugby and healthy living.

“This Championship gives over 1,000 kids the opportunity to play at the home of Glasgow Warriors and many of these kids are picking a ball up for the first time and will hopefully have a life-long involvement in the game.”

SP Energy Networks Chief Executive, Frank Mitchell, said: “We are very proud of our partnership with Glasgow Warriors as it allows us to continue our focus on community engagement.

“We are delighted to support the launch of the SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship and look forward to watching the games and getting involved in the tournament activities.

“Good luck to all of the schools involved.”

Glasgow Warriors Community Manager, Lindsey Smith, added: “It’s fantastic that the Championship has grown again this year, with 25 schools and more than 1,000 kids taking part.

“Schools from nine different local authorities in Scotland will be coming to Scotstoun to compete and we’re all really looking forward to the action getting underway later this month.”

Participating schools are Douglas-Ewart High School, Belmont Academy, Shawlands Academy, Eastwood High School, McLaren High School, Boclair Academy, Kyle Academy, Smithycroft Secondary, Lenzie Academy, Maxwelltown High School, St Thomas Aquinas, Auchinleck Academy, Largs Academy, Falkirk High School, Balfron High School, Annan Academy, Perth Grammar, Ayr Academy, Cumnock Academy, Jordanhill School, St Andrew’s RC, Wallace High School, Kirkcudbright Academy, Queen Margaret Academy, Oban High School.