Community Schools Tag Rugby Festival April 2010

• The Tag Festival was carried out on Friday 23rd April.  Over four hundred school children form Orkney and the isles took part with nineteen schools in attendance plus Kirkwall Grammar School students who were officials on the day.
• Funding for the festival was granted by the Small Grants Council  and the Scottish Rugby Union which enabled a formal budget to be used for schools travel expenditure and equipment required to coordinate the event.

Tag Festival Teams

Tag Festival Officials/Volunteers

Runners
Aiden Drever/Louie Wright/Toby Penwarden/Colin (Stronsay)
Red Cross – First Aiders

• Many thanks to all of the volunteers that participated to help make the day a success.  The volunteers were made up from Club officials, High Schools students from Orkney mainland & the isles and the active schools, sports development team.
• Over thirty volunteers were present on the day, a magnificent achievement itself.
• Schools feedback has been very encouraging and upbeat with some good constructive suggestions for future events.  All schools commented on the efficient organisation of the festival and stated that they are looking forward to the next event.

Feedback from Schools

We would definitely like you to come out and work with the pupils here again.
Feedback from Stronsay is that everyone enjoyed the day
including the helpers, we all felt that the event was one of the best managed that we have been to in Orkney
You will be hearing from the pupils however a massive thank you from the staff here not only for such a successful event but also for the ongoing support you provided to schools as you know we are very impressed with all that you do.
Regards
Susan Robertson (Head teacher)
Stronsay Junior High School

Hi Bruce
Congratulations on a well organised festival on Friday. The children had a brilliant time and even Fiona and I enjoyed it!
Just to say that we would appreciate further coaching if that is at all possible. We are thinking of having our own mini league when we can get out on bonnie days. We are looking forward to the next festival already!
Best wishes
Janis Dickey
Firth P.S

Just to say how impressed I was with the fantastic tag event today. It ran like clockwork and from the conversations I was having with others throughout the day everyone was raving about it. Well done to you and all the organisers for a fantastic event and thank you from all involved.

Neil McIntosh
St. Andrews P.S.

Hi Bruce
Thanks again for a wonderfully organised Friday and the enjoyment the children had.
Clive Horton (Head teacher)
Shapinsay P.S.

Hello Bruce,

Yes, we had a great time too. I was really impressed at how the children started to play more and more as a team as the day went on -some great passing and sharing, and real commitment to their team. Good for them!

We will definitely take part in September. Another session beforehand would be great, if you can fit us in.

Thanks again
Hazel Harrison (Head teacher)
Eday P.S.

Hi Bruce

The Tag Rugby Festival was a fantastic day.  It was great to see the kids put into practice what they had learnt and I was really impressed with the behaviour and good sportsmanship from all the kids involved.  All the kids who attended from Rousay said they really
enjoyed the day.  Clearly a lot of organisation went into it and made it a great success.
Emma Moodie
Rousay P.S.

Bruce
I’d just like to add a thank you from Papdale to all the organisers of the Tag Rugby Festival last Friday – a great success and very enjoyable by all accounts, the weather probably helped too!
Is there any chance you can fit our P5 classes in for some coaching this term to allow them to participate in the next Festival?
Jane Bruce (Headteacher)
Papadale P.S.

Thanks very much for all your hard work Bruce – and coming out to Eday for the preliminary training session.  The pupils all had a fantastic day – they were still raving about it yesterday.  I couldn’t be there for the whole day, but I did manage to visit.  Everything was very well organised and running smoothly, and there were lots of smiling faces around the pitches.  You’re enthusiasm and hard work are definitely paying off!!
I have to say, I did not envy the referees – what a difficult job, especially as everyone was not 100percent sure of all the rules.  Those I saw did a splendid job. The boys also reported that Mrs Whittles, who accompanied them, was the most competitive person on the field – oh the shame!!  I hope no one else noticed or complained. 
Freida Napier (Head teacher)
Flotta P.S.

Daniel had an excellent day – I was so pleased he was able to link up with Westray. We were unable to send our P5s due to the difficulties of double staffing ie 2 to take them and 2 here with the younger kids.
It would be great to arrange some visits here next term if you are able to fit them in. Also / otherwise please could you also remember us when you are planning visits to Westray as sometimes we can get across on the boat – this is weather dependent. The session you ran for the peedie schools in Eday was a highlight of their stay for all the Papay kids and seemed to work extremely well across the whole age range.
Cheers
Kate (Head Teacher)
Papa Westray P.S.

Peedie Schools Rugby

Children form Flotta Primary School, Eday Primary School. and Papa Westray Primary School. have made the trip into kirkwall over the last two fridays to take part in swimming and rugby as part of their peedie schools trip, the rugby sessions have taken place at Papdale Primary School.

The pupils have practiced speed and agility training to enhance their evasive runing skills, performed ball handling exercises to assist their passing and catching skills and lots of Tag Rugby games.  All of the children are aged between Primary 1 and 7 and have contributed well to the sessions.

Bruce Ruthven, Orkneys rugby development officer explains;
"The pupils have done exceptionally well over the last two sessions and have shown great enthusiasm towards their rugby.  We have some younger kids who have really proved that their skills are up to standard with the older kids and do not need any additional support.  I am really pleased to see the peedie schools again and im sure that they will continue to develop well as rugby players.  A few of these pupils will step up to high school next year where they will join the Orkney S1 rugby team so we look forward to their continued development."

Under 14's Update

The Under 14's Squad

Orkney under 14's have taken big steps this season with a combined age group of S1 and S2 players contributing towards training and games.  There was an average of 24 players who attended training with the top trainers being Andrew Linklater, Liam Moar, Connor Crawford and Taylor Pilkington-Tait. 

Orkney certainly made progress throughout the season with training sessions placing repsonsibilities on the players to organise and coordinate themselves.  Coaching practices varied with the requiremnet of the players to understand the roles and responsibilities of the breakdown (tackle) situation and acknowledge the differences between quick and slow ball.  The skills of the boys have improved but more work is required with ball handling, game awareness and fitness proving to be key areas.

The Orkney U14s have had some welcomed additions from Stronsay and Sanday to add to the Flotta and North Ronaldsay contingent.  The isles boys have contributed hugely towards the squad and have develop very quickly throughout the past few months, well done to these boys and indeed the whole squad for their commitment to the season.  Further congratulations to Ben Sutherland, Duncan Gray, Andrew Linklater, David Porteous and Stewart Flett who have been selected for the first stage of the Caleydonia training squad.

Players should keep their eye on the rugby club website, guestbook page for next seasons training schedule.

Isles picture from top left; Duncan Gray - Jordan Leslie - Steven Skea - Andrew Shaw - George Ellis - Gavin Skea - Keith Holland - Craig Stout - Cameron Gray - Gavin Woodbridge.

Andrew Linklater

Andrew McDonald

Gavin Woodbridge

George Ellis

Liam Moar

Tag Rugby Festival sees over 400 School Kids at Picky

Over 400 School Kids Join Bruce at the Tag Rugby Festival

On the 23rd of April, Orkney RFC Hosted the Community Schools Tag Festival. Schools from all over Orkney mainland and the isles participated with forty five teams from nineteen schools being present which resulted in over four hundren children taking part.  Children who were involved were in the P5 -7 age bracket.

All teams played four games throughout the day with kick at 11am.  The groups were played as a round robin with games lasting twelve minutes each.  Presentations were made at the end of the day to all schools who received certificates for all participants and also received either Scottish Rugby Union water bottles, boot bags or t-shirts.

Orkney RFC Development Officer Bruce Ruthven said "this is the first Tag Rugby Festival to take plave in Orkney and everyone involved has had a brilliant time, alot of organisation has gone into the festival and the only thing that we had no control of was the weather which has turned out perfect.  To get so many children playing today and having such a good time is very forfilling for orkney RFC and sets the benchmark for future festivals.  The standard of rugby on show has been very high so well done to all the children for their efforts. The day would not be possible if we did not get the assistance fron the Scottich Rugby Union, Small grants council and Orkney RFC who contributed signifcantly towards the financial commitments off the day.  Also the volunteers who have helped out have done a terrific job."

 Neil McIntosh from St. Andrews P.S. expressed his feeling on the day by saying;
Just to say how impressed I was with the fantastic tag event today.
It ran like clockwork and from the conversations I was having with others throughout the day, everyone was raving about it. Well done to you and all the organisers for a fantastic event and thank you from all involved. 

The competing  primary schools were as folllows; Firth - Shapinsay - Flotta - Eday - Stronsay - Dounby - Burray - Stromness - Stenness - Orphir - Rousay - Papdale - St. Andrews - Hope - Evie - Northwalls - Westray - Papa Westray - Glaitness - Sanday.

Tag Rugby

On Thursday 25th March pupils from P5-7 at St Andrews School took part in their own mini Tag Rugby Tournament in preparation for the Tag Rugby Festival which will be held on 23rd April at the Picky
Centre.

Around 30 pupils have shown interest in playing tag rugby since they had their taster sessions with Bruce Ruthven over the past 2 terms. St Andrews will enter 4 teams into the tournament and the session on Thursday helped them work together in their teams and continue to develop their skills amongst their peers.

Neil  McIntosh explains; "It's been fantastic opportunity for the pupils and staff to have Bruce come into schools and promote rugby and provide an alternative sport for pupils to participate in."

Bruce Ruthven commented, "St. Andrews have finished their block of coaching with a small festival of rugby which shows that a large number of children now fully understand the laws of the game.  They will be entering four teams into the Community Schools Tag Festival and will prove tough opposition for any team.  The boys and girls have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and have worked well together.  Well done to everyone involved"

St Andrews Primary School Pupils with Bruce

Orkney U14s v Nairn Saturday 24th April 2010

An Orkney Under 14`s Development squad hosted Nairn RFC under 14s on Saturday the 24th of April, which proved to be a great game showing lots of promise for next seasons U14 players.  Orkney fielded a strong squad of twenty five players of which only six players were S2. Nairn were one player short before the kick off and Orkney gave them an extra player in the form of Steven Skea the Sanday flying machine.

Orkney kicked off and immediately exerted pressure onto the Nairn players which some ferocious tackling that eventually led to a try by Craig Russell who dived onto a loose ball from a defensive scrum by Nairn, converted by Taylor Pilkington. It was Taylor himself that scored the next points for Orkney with a strong run.  Next up was David Porteous with some elusive running to score out wide on the right side of the posts.  Nairn started to shake off their early nerves and put some good play together resulting in Steven Skea sprinting thirty yards for Nairns first points.  The orkney boys finished off with some great driving play and after a series of quick ball from the ruck David Porteous showed his strength to to score after shrugging off four tacklers.  Half time 22 - 5.

The second half produced some fine play from both teams with Nairn coming to life and starting to believe in themselves a bit more.  It was again Steven Skea who scored from sixty metres for Nairn to open the scoring for the second half with the orkney boys failing to organise their defence.  Nairn hit back again with a try from a genuine Nairn player much to the delight of the away spectators, the try was duly converted.  With the score now at 22-17 the orkney boys stepped up a gear with the aid of some tactical changes from the bench.  It was the inform David Porteous who scored the next two tries in succession in the space of five minutes to stretch Orkneys lead to 32 - 17.  Orkney then took up good posession on their own twenty-two metre line and distributed the ball wide onto the right wing where Andrew Shaw was waiting in anticipation of a good run, Andrew received the ball and outpaced three Nairn players on the outside to run in from seventy metres, a fantastic show of pace  Nairn fought back in the last two minutes to score from a penalty tap six metres from the orkney line.  Final; Score 37 - 22

Coach Bruce Ruthven commented on his players performance by saying "our boys played well in patches throughout the game and scored some terrific individual tries, it was a good exercise for us whilst rotating the squad everyone that played gave a good account of themselves.  This shows alot of promise for next season and many thanks to Nairn for making the trip to Orkney."

Bruce

Glaitness Primary School

Glaitness Primary School have received six sessions of Tag Rugby over the last six weeks. The children are now confident with the rules of Tag Rugby and have showed that they can participate in a full game using the techniques and skills they have learnt.

Bruce Ruthven stated; the players have worked very hard at their passing and catching skills and this work has now paid off with the children now at a level where they can have competitive games.  We have also made efforts to work on pupils fitness and I hope that the pupils see a difference in this.  I would like to congratulate all of the pupils for their efforts and hope that they continue to practice Tag Rugby.

Quotes from some of the pupils:

We’ve learned lots of new skills. – Dona
It’s tiring but we really enjoy it! – Jordan
Sometimes it’s a bit cold but we still enjoy it! – Claire
You get fit and healthy doing it.  – Emma
It’s really good fun! – Leah and Bethin

Stronsay Junior High School has been receiving rugby training and games since February half term from Orkney RFC Development Officer Bruce Ruthven.  Pupils have been taking part in Tag Rugby, working on ball handling exercises, evasive running skills and team work.  S1 and S3 pupils have also been working on leadership skills and have been involved in taking the Lower and Upper Primary kids for rugby training.

Head Teacher Susan Robertson comments;
All the pupils from the nursery upwards have benefitted from having the opportunity of working with Bruce on their tag rugby and leadership skills.  As a result of the course we have two S1 pupils now going to rugby training in Kirkwall on a Saturday and two S3 pupils who are
going to attend the refereeing course.  We are all looking forward to the Tag Rugby Festival and are going to train hard in the next few weeks.  The pupils and staff would like to say a big thank you to Bruce for all his work with the school.

Bruce Ruthven says; Stronsay J.H.S. have completed a block of coaching and have shown great enthusiasm especially in the lower and upper primary.  The upper primary children will be taking part in the Tag Festival on the 23rd April with two S3 pupils Josh and Lauren using their leadership qualities from their Youth Rugby Coaching Course which they are currently undertaking to assist the Stronsay team. I am delighted that we now have two S1 pupils now attending Orkney RFC U14s training, Both Keith and Craig have shown great commitment towards the training at school and are now in line to represent Orkney at rugby. Well done to them both.

Burray & St Margarets Hope Primary Schools

On the 30th November Burray & Hope Primary School came together for a festival of rugby that polished off a block of coaching from Bruce Ruthven.  Both schools received six sessions over six weeks and resulted in both schools receiving a chance to play competitively against eac hother

U14s trip to Inverness to play Highland RFC

Bruce Takes Rugby to The Orkney Schools

Schools and Pupils from the whole of Orkney & Isles have been receiving both taster sessions and blocks of coaching from Club Development Officer Bruce Ruthven.  Bruce has been taking Fundamentals of Movement training and Multi-skills for lower Primary children whist upper primary kids have been undertaking Tag Rugby.  Commenting on the Primary School work Bruce says; we have had a magnificent response from schools, pupils and staff since September 2009 when the post began, the majority of schools have been in touch and have now received Rugby Coaching.  Rugby is a great game for all and encourages players of all ages and sizes to get involved whilst concentrating on running, passing & catching skills in a team environment.”

Kirkwall Grammar School, Stromness Academy and the Junior High Schools have also been involved in Rugby promoting Tag Rugby, Contact Rugby and Fitness & Conditioning.  If your school or club has not received rugby yet please contact Bruce for more information.

Orkney RFC have three mini sections throughout Orkney and are for P4-7 children, they take place as follows;
Dounby P.S. on Saturday morning from 10am – 12 noon
Kirkwall Minis at Orkney RFC on Saturday mornings from 10am – 12 noon.
St. Andrews Mini Section at St. Andrews P.S. on Sunday mornings from 11am – 1pm

The Midi Section takes place at Kirkwall Grammar School on a Saturday morning from 10am – 12 noon, this is for S1-4!  Any players at Under 18 level should contact Bruce if interested in playing.  Both the mini and midi sections of the clubs have training and fixtures throughout the season which runs from September – April.

Please feel free to contact myself if you require any information regarding the Orkney Schools Community Rugby Project/Mini or Midi Rugby or any matter you feel or relavance.

Bruce Ruthven
Orkney RFC, Development Officer
Mob: 07584 167 83
E-mail: bruceruthven.orfc@yahoo.co.uk

Rugby Flourishes in Burray & Hope

Both Burray P.S. and Hope P.S. have received Tag Rugby sessions over the last six weeks.  The pupils have undertaken skills training and have been learning the rules for Tag Rugby.  On the last session both schools came together to put their skills to the test and have a small festival of rugby.
Bruce Ruthven commented; “The pupils at both schools have received six sessions and endured some terrible weather conditions over the weeks but have trained very well. It was great to see the players involved in Tag games on the last week with everyone getting fully involved and using the skills that they had learned and improved on in previous weeks. The pupils involved have shown great enthusiasm and a keen interest in the rugby with some players now involved in Kirkwall and St. Andrews mini sections.”

Burray and Hope head teacher Jack Cromarty says”The children at Burray and St.Margarets Hope Schools have become very enthusiastic about the schools rugby organised by Bruce Ruthven. They now have joint training sessions to have a more viable pool of players, which enables more game play to take place.”

St. Andrews Primary School achieve Healthy Eating Certificates

St. Andrews Primary 6 children have undergone a vigorous six weeks completing a course in Food Hygiene, Healthy Eating and Rugby Training.  The course is a joint venture by the Scottish Rugby Union and the Food Standards Agency and is conducted through school teachers and Bruce Ruthven from Orkney RFC.
Bruce explains, “this project has been running for several years now and is conducted throughout schools in Scotland.  Approximately two hundred children will participate in this course in Orkney schools this academic year. St. Andrews Primary School have undertaken the programme and achieved great results with their knowledge on a Healthy Balanced Diet, Food Hygiene and enjoyed six Rugby sessions of Tag Rugby.

Neil McIntosh is the Primary 6 teacher at St.Andrews, Neil states;
“The rugby diaries scheme was a great educational resource to be involved with. It combined the physical and practical skills of tag rugby with the theory of healthy living and awareness of food hygiene, preparation and storage.

The topic fitted in really well with the additional 2 hours of PE that we are striving to give each child. It also brought learning outdoors and really focussed on interdisciplinary learning throughout.

Both pupils and staff really enjoyed being part of the course and other pupils in the school are looking forward to completing a similar course later this term.

The St Andrews Mini's with Bruce & helpers