RugbyForce Day a “big hit” at Auchenkilns

A key component of the club support programme put in place by Royal Bank of Scotland, RBS RugbyForce provides practical, promotional and financial assistance to help clubs throw open their doors and put on events designed to showcase their offering.

The aim is to retain and attract players, supporters, members, volunteers and sponsors for the campaign ahead, helping cement clubs’ position as hubs for their local community.

Coach Harry Wallace was delighted to see the number of players, both young and old, who took part on Saturday and provided them with a rigorous and enjoyable workout in preparation for the new season.

Harry said: “While I am delighted at the turnout, we are still looking for additional players if we want to make more of an impact this season. We need a second 15, playing regularly, to give competition to the guys in the first 15.

“Like many other clubs, our club has a nucleus of ‘senior players’ and we need to broaden our playing base by attracting younger players. Training is already underway – Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm and Saturdays at 1pm – at Auchenkilns.”

Any new players wishing more information are invited to call Harry on 07593 773708 or Drew Reid, the club’s director of rugby, on 07748 986356.

As director of rugby, Drew is also keen to highlight developments in the other spheres of rugby activity at Auchenkilns.

For the past couple of years, Cumbernauld RFC has been unable to sustain an under 18 team and this has impacted on the availability of players for the senior club. However, Drew is delighted to report that he has managed to secure two new coaches for season 2014-2015 whose primary aim will be to develop an under 18 squad.

Club president Jim Cochrane welcomed Robbie McFegan to the club at the RugbyForce event on Saturday when Robbie announced that the first training session for under 18 players will be held at Auchenkilns on Thursday, August 14 with a 6.45pm start. Any potential under 18 players looking for more information should phone Roddie on 07836 609086. Roddie will be assisted by Stephen Leckie, with both coaches having a fine record in under 18 rugby.

Youth section coach Paul Justice was also in attendance at Saturday’s event. Paul runs the under 13/14 and under 15/16 age groups and emphasised that the club is always looking to recruit new players.

Paul’s training takes place at Cumbernauld Rugby Club, Auchenkilns, Condorrat, at the following times: under 15/16, Tuesdays and Thursdays 6–7.30pm, with the under 13/14 group training on Wednesdays 6–7.30pm.

Competitive matches start on Sunday, September 7 with the under 15s facing Lenzie and the under 16s hosting Dalziel, both matches at Auchenkilns. For further information, Paul can be contacted on 07960 811326.

Michael McDonald, the mini section coach (P1–P7), intends to restart training this Sunday, August 17, and can be contacted on 07989 949007 for further information.