Ballymena RFC and the Community 2010/2011
Last week (october 2010) Year 9 girls at St Louis Grammar were given the opportunity to experience TAG rugby during a session with Tom Wiggins Ballymena RFC's Community Development Officer. read on |
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Ballymena RFC has always prided itself on the positive role the Club has played within the local community. Rugby at Eaton Park has always been available to players from all communities who have enjoyed the warmth and friendship extended by the Club’s members and players.
The focus of community rugby this season is centred around the work of the Club’s Youth Development Officer. Tom Wiggins is in his second year as YDO and he has been given a specific brief by the Club to have as many young people as possible to enjoy the game of rugby.
Recent developments have seen the introduction of Girl’s Rugby at Eaton Park and it is hoped that from our beginnings this season we will make progress to establishing teams at Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18.
Another example of the cross community nature of the Club was the recent event involving Glenravel GAA and Ballymena’s Under 14 rugby team. Tom and the Glenravel coach Ronan O’Donnell organised a game of 30 minutes GAA and 30 minutes rugby between the boys. The night was a great success and a large number of boys have now decided to play both sports which will significantly improve both Clubs.
Likewise Tom has approached Dunfane Special School in Ballymena and he has agreed to coach the Year 10 children in a first for both the Club and the school.
This section of our website will be regularly updated to keep the local community informed of our efforts to extend rugby to all communities – so please call back. If you would like to take part in rugby or have your community group experience some rugby tuition please contact the Club and Tom will gladly assist.
