Gibraltar Bowl Contd.....
Gibraltar mini and youth rugby has had a great year. With over 60 children regularly attending our Sunday morning sessions from the ages of 3 to 16 the future of rugby continues to shine bright. In addition our academy teams at u12, 14 and 16 now train a further two times a week.
This season we have also sought to spread our wings to give our select sides competition in Spain with an under 12 and under 14 team playing regularly over the border. Our plans are to continue this development with an under 16 team for this season.
This last year has seen a major step forward with the appointment of Kim Oliver as Rugby Development Officer. This has given us exposure within Gibraltar schools which is only helping to enhance rugby's status as one of the fastest growing sports on the Rock.
This exposure allowed us to hold our first Inter-school tag rugby tournament which was well attended and enjoyed by all.
Our second tournament was even more successful with more age groups than last year. Kim's involvement also allowed us to add a half term rugby camp in November and a second camp to our regular week long summer programme.
A further enhancement this year has seen the under 12s taking trip to Bath for 4 days intensive rugby with coaching from ex England internationals, Bath community coaches as well as a match against a local side. All this and a chance to watch Bath Saracens to let them experience top level rugby first hand.
With plans for another tour at more age levels and with a dedicated set of coaches working tirelessly to develop the game, rugby's future is looking healthy.
Next up was an exhibition match from our youth section
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Photos courtesy of Stefano Plantone