Eaton Park initiative will bring rugby to children with disabilities

The Eaton Park club will be offering rugby to children with special needs and learning difficulties from Sunday, February 26.

The ‘Ballymena Bears’ will provide the children with the opportunity to learn some basic rugby skills and to enjoy games including TAG rugby.

The sessions will be held between 10–11am every Sunday morning at Eaton Park.

Initially the training will focus on children between 10–15 years of age and will be led by Gary Donald and Cormac McCamphill.

Gary told the Times: “I have been involved with coaching young children for several years now.

“For some months we have discussed how we could provide some rugby for children with disability. With the support of Cormac and others within the Club I was delighted when agreement was reached to offer the sessions from February 26. The sessions will be all about fun and will provide a new experience for the children.”

BRFC’s Community Development Officer Tom Wiggins fully supports the initiative.

“The Club’s Development Plan focuses on delivering rugby to the widest possible number of children in the community.

“For the past 3 years we have provided rugby coaching within Castle Tower School.

“The Ballymena Bears now gives another outlet for the children to pursue rugby outside school which we hope will be a fantastic opportunity for the children to learn and develop new skills,” added Tom.

Parents can register their interest by contacting Gary Donald on 0773 838 9791or attending the information meeting at Ballymena Rugby Club, Eaton Park on Wednesday 25th January between 8–9pm (tea and buns) all welcome.