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Stewartry Stewartry FOLLOW US ONLINE TWITTER.COM/RUGBYCLUBMAG Alistair Martin and Keith Johnson have had a long and positive association with Stewartry Rugby Club for many years. Keith recently told Rugby Club Magazine, “Many of our friends and customers are members of the rugby club and we have enjoyed supporting them over the years. It’s great to see that they are competing so strongly this season and continuing the great service they provide to the local community. As a sponsor Stewartry Tyres are more than happy to give a little back to this great club which is a real hub in our region providing a friendly meeting place for young and old alike to enjoy. Myself, Alistair and staff would like to wish everyone at Stewartry Rugby Club the very best of continued success as they approach their 50th anniversary and best wishes to all for the next 50!” and at the club with the girls. Our Development Officer has done some great work through the schools and at the club to keep the numbers up. Now that we are lucky enough to have decent numbers for the girls, a lot of the senior woman get involved at their training. Usually just to help out but get stuck in sometimes too. From there, if girls are confident enough or capable enough they are invited to come and try out with the Will McCarthy spoke to Rugby Club Magazine, saying, “I am originally from Ireland and moved to the area in 2007 after finishing my studies in Glasgow, after three years I moved to work in Ayrshire before returning in 2012. I have to say the hospitality of the club is second to none, I have always greatly appreciated the way they have looked after and taken care of their sponsors. Unfortunately, due to work commitments and having a young family I am unable to get along as often as I would like these days. My two sons Michael 4, Joseph 2 and my 3-month-old daughter Bridgit take a lot of attending to. It’s fantastic that the club have been chosen in recognition of their contribution to rugby locally and as a fan of the sport I hope to enjoy them having a successful season. Best wishes from all at Galloway Vets!” 38 Issue 88 senior team, so there is an easy and smooth transition from school rugby to senior.” Challenges/Ambitions “As previously stated, numbers is seriously going to be an issue. Unfortunately, no one is able to play forever and with the team slowly getting older and less girls Galloway Vets Compassionate companion animal care. Innovative production animal solutions Twenty four hours a day 365 days a year Delighted to be associated with Stewartry Rugby Club wishing everyone the very best of continued success for many more years to come! 01557330632 coming up through the system and hanging around the area, we could struggle. Saying that, with the great work happening behind the scenes, I would like to be proven wrong! Getting the Sirens back into Premiership rugby is our ambition, being able to strongly compete with the best teams in Scotland and not be considered an underdog when going into these matches. We also “I have been a fan of Stewartry RFC for many years but I got involved when my eldest son Matthew wanted to start playing rugby aged six which was seven years ago. I now have two sons involved and playing at Stewartry RFC. The most challenging aspect of my role is to assure children that ‘they can’ play rugby. Many children think because it is such a physical game that they are going to hurt others or get hurt themselves. It is important that they understand the need for good coaching to minimise this risk. I believe the Sirens success is down to sheer hard work, determination and belief. These girls have the most amazing team spirit and are there for each other no matter what. Stewartry RFC celebrates its 50th anniversary as a club during the 2019/20 season. We have lots of celebration events planned between now and June 2020. These events will involve all club members - past, present, young and old. Any players thinking about getting involved in rugby should get along to their local club and give it a go. Any age and ability can take part. Whether you want to play the competitive game, contribute on the committee or get fit, you’ll love it. At Stewartry RFC the youth is very much the future of our club. Two sirens join our junior girls team each week at the sharkettes training sessions - it’s a different two every week so the sharkettes aim to help continue the growth of women’s and girls rugby within the club and within Scotland.” get to know the sirens! We also invite all sharkettes along to our preseason training so the two teams can train together. Our U18’s colts are encouraged to train with our 1st XV prior to moving up to senior rugby. We are extremely lucky to have such wonderful volunteers coaching at our club. Lately we held three ‘Come give rugby a TRY sessions for boys and girls from aged five upwards. These sessions were free and anyone could come along and join in. The Sirens also held a free two day summer camp for girls. Last summer the Sirens held a rugby “road show” approach where they trained in various locations across Dumfries & Galloway to try to encourage more women to join. This season the Sirens have “partnered” with Ayr ladies and Ardrossan ladies - all in different womens leagues to encourage a collaborative approach to getting women in the south west playing rugby at whatever level they wanted to play. As part of this Sirens joined Ayr and Adrossan for joint training sessions too. Over the next few years it is my hope to continue to watch our club grow and continue to encourage boys and girls of all ages to enjoy rugby and have fun in the process. Lifelong friendships are made at this club.” Susan Hind www.rugbyclubmag.com 39