Community rugby section goes from strength to strength

BRFC formed a partnership in 2010 with Ballymena Borough Council to bring rugby to as many children within the borough as possible. They appointed Tom Wiggins as their Community Development Officer and he has continued to make progress during the year to achieve the goals established by the Club and the Council. Whilst Tom delivered training in to a wide range of primary and post-primary schools he has several highlights which are worthy of mention. The Club were invited by Co-Operation Ireland to join in a major cross border initiative to establish good relations with groups in the South of Ireland. BRFC joined with Monaghan Rugby Club and took part in a series of workshops where Under 13 players from both clubs mixed in both indoor and outdoor sessions. The project was a great success with the clubs and boys establishing a great relationship both on and off the pitch.

The Club have also continued to progress cross community initiatives and this recently saw the Development Officer undertake some joint training with Con Magee’s GAC at Glenravel. Tom said: “The boys really enjoyed the contact elements of the session and several have expressed an interest in playing rugby during the GAA off season. We have a number of our young rugby players playing both gaelic football and hurling and we find that the boys really benefit from the range of coaching methods employed by the different clubs.”

Tom is also trying to encourage more participation from girls and provided TAG rugby coaching to over 100 girls in four post-primary schools. This saw girls from St Pats, Cullybackey High, St. Louis’ and Slemish College taking part in regular coaching sessions. It is hoped that several of the schools will take part in the Girl’s Schools Cup next year. The Club are also hoping to establish a girl’s TAG Rugby group within the Club in the coming season.

Another exciting development at the Club has been the continued success off the Ballymena Bears. The Bears were started by Gary Donald and his band of enthusiastic helpers and they provide coaching sessions on Sundays to children and young adults with disability. The Bears are in the middle of a summer break but will resume again in the near future. If anyone would like to bring their child along they should contact either Gary Donald or Tom Wiggins at the rugby club.

Youth Rugby also enjoyed a very successful season with two trophies coming to the Club. The Under 17s were very unlucky to lose a closely fought Ulster Cup Final at Ravenhill. However the Under 13s had a great run and ended up winning the Ulster Plate with the 19s winning the Bowl. New youth players are always welcome and training has commenced on Wednesday nights between 7-9pm. Should anyone wish to join they should go to the Club and ask for Tom Wiggins or Don Pattison, the new youth convener.

The Mini Section get into full swing on Saturday having enjoyed a great season. The Minis organised a very successful Festival at the end of the season which saw well over 1,000 players and parents attending Eaton Park. Training and matches are on a Saturday morning and should anyone wish to join they should contact Gary Donald at the Club.

Ballymena Rugby Club’s commitment to the development of young players continues and the club, in partnership with the Council is committed to continuing its outreach programme hoping to get children from all communities engaged in sport. Should you wish to be involved in any way please get in touch with Tom Wiggins at Eaton Park.