Centra Rugby Camps kick-off

Centra Rugby Camps kick-off

Ulster Rugby has teamed-up with local independent retail group Centra to kick off what is expected to be the biggest series of local rugby summer camps to date.

The camps, sponsored by Centra and its independent retailers, are expected to welcome almost 2000 young players this summer at over 20 venues across Ulster from July 6 to August 28.

The popularity of the camps has increased each year since its launch in 2008, with 1,892 taking part in 2014.

This year will mark the 10,000th participant in the scheme that sees young players benefit from expert advice from qualified youth coaches, with Ulster players on hand to give tips on the game and talk about life as a professional player.

The Junior Camps are for boys and girls aged 6-12 years, and offer hundreds of children their first experience of rugby, as well as the chance to develop existing skills in a fun and safe environment.

New Junior Camps available to young players in the 2015 schedule include Letterkenny RFC, Ballyshannon RFC, Cavan RFC, Larne RFC, Ards RFC and Rainey Endowed School.

Following their introduction last year, the three day Girls Camps, for 12-18 year olds, will make a return at three venues, while Newforge Sports Complex will once again host a three day Special Needs Camp.

The more experienced Senior Camp will return to Ulster University at Jordanstown for 13-17 years old boys and girls with previous rugby experience, focusing on the technical, tactical, physical, mental and lifestyle aspects of rugby.

Barry Willis, rugby operations manager at Ulster Rugby, said: “The camps are a fantastic opportunity for children to receive specialist rugby training and are open to players with a mix of abilities whether they are new to the sport or building on their own experience.”

“The significant support we receive from Centra as well as the continued success and popularity of the senior Ulster team all help increase the volume of participants we have each year.”

Centra brand manager Nikki McDowell said: “It is incredible to think, along with Ulster Rugby, we have supported the skills development of almost 10,000 young people throughout the Province.

“The interaction from the Ulster Rugby players who visit each week really makes the camps special.”

Application forms are being distributed to schools and rugby clubs across Ulster and are also available from local Centra stores and full details can be found on www.ulsterrugby.com/domestic.