Successful Summer for Rugby Camps


8th September 2011


After eight weeks of fun and sportsmanship this year’s Ulster Rugby Summer Camps, sponsored by Centra, recently came to a successful close.

There were fifteen camp venues province-wide this summer, with almost 1,100 boys and girls aged 6 to 13 years taking part. Each camp lasted five days, during which participants were closely supervised by qualified IRFU coaches while they learned new skills. There was also a senior camp at the University of Ulster Jordanstown for young people aged 14 to 17 years with previous rugby experience, where a further 75 took part.

The highlight of each week was undoubtedly the visit by Ulster Rugby players who came to the camps to join in some rugby, sign autographs and speak to the boys and girls about life as professional rugby players. In addition, for the first time this year an award was presented to the participant with the most improved rugby skills at each camp.

A number of Centra retailers also visited the camps over the summer to meet and encourage the local children participating in the scheme.

James Agnew (9) from Hamiltonsbawn with his Best Skills Certificate, is tackled by Ulster Rugby players Declan Fitzpatrick (left) and Craig Gilroy (right) at the Armagh summer camp. Cheering James on are other young participants at the camp along with Simon Cuttle from Centra Deansbridge and Camp Manager Darren McGuigan.

Nick Mulholland from Centra Lisburn, Ulster rugby player Luke Marshall, Camp Manager Barry Willis, Best Skills award winner Mark Mulligan (12) from Lambeg, Ulster rugby player Paddy McAllister and and Karen McCammond from Centra Moira at the Lisburn summer camp.