Aberdeenshire launches new partnership with Scottish Rugby
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
SCOTTISH Rugby have launched new education partnerships, with 17 Aberdeenshire schools getting on board.
Across the area schools have signed up to a new agreement with Scottish Rugby which gives pupils access to top rugby training.
The pilot programme will see four rugby development officers and three community coaches from local rugby clubs deliver a 16-week rugby programme as part of the curriculum for pupils in S1 to S4.
Vincent Docherty, Head of Education for Aberdeenshire Council explains: “This additional investment in our school communities is a real boost for schools across Aberdeenshire.
"The programme builds on already strong partnership working and will help us to develop all aspects of our curriculum for physical education.
"We are very pleased to be part of this and delivering enhanced experiences and outcomes for our young people.”
The new pilot will mark the first time Aberdeenshire pupils will have the chance to have rugby training as a part of their curriculum.
Running for three academic years, the programme is expected to reach 10,000 pupils across Aberdeenshire.
The programme will also provide personal development opportunities for staff and senior pupils to assist in the delivery of rugby activity, aligning to Scottish Rugby’s coach education pathway.
Gav Scott, director of rugby development at Scottish Rugby said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Aberdeenshire Council.
"This two programme is set to provide a greatly enhanced offering of physical activity and learning opportunities to many people across the north of Scotland who may never have accessed our sport before."
“The Caledonia North region – which spans from Aberdeenshire, Moray and into the Highlands and Islands – has long standing connections to our game as seen in the recent centenary celebrations of Highland Rugby Club, but there are also many emerging clubs and teams, which is reflective of already strong work in the region to increase playing opportunities, and we must ensure that this can continue.
"This is why being able to deliver rugby as part of the curriculum or as part of someone’s higher education journey is so important.
“On behalf of Scottish Rugby I would like to thank Aberdeenshire Council for their partnership, and I look forward to seeing the continued growth of our game across this unique and vibrant region.”
The following schools will be taking part in the pilot - Peterhead Academy, Banchory Academy, Mintlaw Academy, The Gordons School, Aboyne Academy, Alford Academy, Mackie Academy, Inverurie Academy, Portlethen Academy, Mearns Academy, Meldrum Academy, Fraserburgh Academy, Kemnay Academy, Banff Academy, Ellon Academy, Westhill Academy and Turriff Academy.
