Summer Participation Programme Review
1st September 2021 By The Editor
A view of the Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Summer Camp at Cobh Pirates RFC in July ©INPHO
With restrictions surrounding outdoor training for both children and adult players easing at the beginning of the summer, participation programmes run by the Rugby Development department have been at the forefront throughout the province.
The Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Summer Camps were a huge success with 2,000 boys and girls attending camps throughout the province at 22 different venues during the months of July and August.
The camps, which were run by fully accredited IRFU Mini Rugby coaches, provided a safe and fun environment for children aged 6-12.
Bank Of Ireland Munster Rugby Summer Camp at Cobh Pirates RFC this summer. ©INPHO
At the end of July, 120 boys aged 13-16 took part in the Munster Rugby Excellence Camps which were held over a one-week period in both Musgrave Park and Thomond Park.
The Excellence Camps provided a premium rugby experience and offered a week-long structured rugby development programme which included core skill development, game understanding, position-specific training, appropriate strength and conditioning training and teamwork.
A view of the Munster Rugby Excellence Camp at Musgrave Park. ©INPHO
Throughout the summer, 36 ‘Rugby On The Green’ sessions took place throughout Cork.
Rugby On The Green is a part of Cork City Council and Cork Sports Partnership’s ‘Sports On The Green’ initiative which began last year in response to Covid-19 restrictions. The programme takes place on housing estate greens throughout the city and it aims to remove the barriers to sports participation.
Over 500 children took part in the ‘Rugby On The Green’ sessions.
A view of Rugby On The Green in Blarney
At the end of August, Munster Rugby held an Inclusion Camp at Ballincollig RFC. The camp was open to children of all disabilities aged 6-12 and it focuses on adapting rugby to meet the needs of camp attendees to maximise their enjoyment.
21 children participated in the Inclusion Camp.
With children now returning to school, it is hoped that many of those who experienced rugby for the first time throughout the summer will now seek out a club for further participation.
A view of the Munster Rugby Inclusion Camp at Ballincollig RFC
Rugby Participation and Operations Manager, Damon Urlich, said:
“Despite the challenges which were posed by Covid-19 and the associated restrictions, we experienced great participation in our various programmes, particularly the Bank of Ireland Munster Rugby Summer Camps.
“I’d like to say thank you to the public for their understanding and patience as we worked through the new procedures and protocols for the camps this year.
“Our appreciation also goes out to our staff who provided a brilliant experience to the children in all of the different programmes run throughout the summer.”
Participation Coordinator Ray Gadsden added:
“The success of our camps were due to the energy, enthusiasm and planning of our staff. The feedback from parents was all about how good the coaches were to their children and the great rugby experience that was provided to them.”
Below you will find videos on the different programmes which were run this summer.
