Well, hello there!

I hope you all had a cracking holiday, did some awesome stuff and enjoyed a sleep in or two!

Meanwhile I've been busy busy.

Let’s start with a quick recap of what happened during the holidays, several our under 15s & 14s attended a pathways training day for players based in the north. It focused on the Key National Themes, the four skills all players are graded on during the pathways system - Hand catch, Ball presentation, tackle technique and off-load. I am very happy to say all our boys were up to the task, were by no means out their depth and all looked like they enjoyed the day.

I attended my first Caledonia development team meeting. I am the furthest based Development officer in the country, meaning I was the unfortunate fella who had the 6am start to make it to Aberdeen on time, joys of living in the North! Was great to meet the team for the first time and gave me the chance to discuss what we are doing up here and the plans we have for the future. I also got an insight into what other clubs and D.O.s are doing in the region.

Looking to the school term, the majority of my time is going to used delivering sessions and tournaments to primary 6&7. One of my favourite age groups to work with and they are hardy enough to still go outside in the autumnal weather to come.

Furthermore, our coach of the north is starting a 6-week block in Golspie High, “I’m sure he loves going into the school as a coach and not a pupil this time around!”. He also will be working with the school’s cluster primaries.

Other things to look out for over the next couple months; Street rugby in Balintore, secondary school fixtures, Girls rugby at the club (look out for more details on a "Let us play" session at the club on 27th November!), Strength and conditioning programs and the return of the 1872 cup.

A final note for the week, I would personally like to say a massive congratulation to Stephan Walker and Harry MacKay for winning a couple of very prestigious Highland Coaching awards this month. Stephan, Volunteer of the year and Harry, youth coach of the year.
Outstanding efforts fellas and keep up the good!!

Chur
John Mann, Community and Rugby Development Officer
Ross-Sutherland RFC