Powell River Otago Rugby Club will be running a one-day camp to introduce youngsters to rugby.
On July 22, from 10 am until noon at Cranberry Field, Otago representatives will be coordinating a non-contact program for kids from six to 12 years of age.
“It’s totally a fun thing,” said Otago coach Jack Beardmore. “That’s what it’s all about. It’s just so the kids can get their hands on a rugby ball and see what it is like.
“We are trying to build interest in the game, and then when the kids go into high school, they can participate. We have 21 students in our high school program right now. It’s really starting to come along.”
Beardmore said the rugby field will be divided into four grids and each grid will have a different coaching feature. In one of the grids, participants will actually try playing soccer with a rugby ball, kicking it around and learning the differences between a round soccer ball and a football-shaped rugby ball.
Every young player is going to receive an Otago rugby camp t-shirt. After the instructional session, participants will go back to the Otago clubhouse for a hot dog barbecue.
The rugby camp organizers are asking for registrations. There is a $10 registration fee, which will include the t-shirt, the barbecue and two hours of instruction.
To register, people can text or call Shane Morrisey at 604.989.2872.
“We’re hoping for 40 kids,” said Beardmore. “It’s all geared towards promoting rugby.”
