THE rugby pitches at Ardencaple were buzzing for four days last week as nearly 30 boys and girls took part in Helensburgh Rugby Club’s first summer skills camp.

With an overall objective of being fun, each session was tailored to suit age, ability and meet their own expectations.

Rugby skills included passing, evasion, support play and tackling, supported by small-sided games of touch and interspersed with a variety of fitness drills.

Feedback from every child and parent was highly positive with comments such as “exceeded my expectations”, “everyone felt included” and “the organisation and coaching was excellent”.

Nearly 30 boys and girls took part.Nearly 30 boys and girls took part. (Image: John Penniston)

Skills sessions were combined with touch rugby and fitness drills.Skills sessions were combined with touch rugby and fitness drills. (Image: John Penniston)

The camp formed part of a wider initiative for Helensburgh RFC to be more engaged with schools and the community.

Coaching for the camp was delivered between Live Argyll Active Schools coordinator, Martin Caldwell, his assistant and S&C coach Mark Ashdown, and the Helensburgh club’s own community coach, Dougie King, also captain of the Lomond and Helensburgh senior 2nd XV.

This team has introduced more than 500 primary pupils to rugby, a process that has included 11 local schools with five or six visits per school.

This programme continues in the autumn, with a focus on girls at secondary school.

The four-day event helped build on existing links between the club, the community and local schools.The four-day event helped build on existing links between the club, the community and local schools. (Image: John Penniston)

Feedback was positive from those who attended, and from their parents.Feedback was positive from those who attended, and from their parents. (Image: John Penniston)

Coach coordinator John Penniston said: “I couldn’t be happier for the outcome of our inaugural summer youth skills camp.

“Our investment in a community coach is starting to pay dividends, as is the work put in by Active Schools.

“Planning for future events has started, widening the age group to include younger players, and I am encouraged that at last we may see the start of girls playing youth rugby at Helensburgh”.

For more information come along to Helensburgh Cricket and Rugby Football Club’s Family Force Day at Ardencaple this Sunday, August 11.

The event will feature touch rugby, cricket, a barbecue, fun and games, taking place from 12.30pm onwards, with action on the pitch from the club's under-16s at 2pm.

Find out more at the club’s feeds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.