MILNTOWN hosted a summer rugby camp to eager youngsters aged five to 18 last week.
The 150-year-old Langholm Rugby Football Club welcomed young people from P1 to S6 to the home of Langholm rugby to take part in free coaching sessions.
Usually put on by rugby union team the Newcastle Falcons, LRFC kept the camp, which ran for two days, going for this year.
With the support of Get into Summer funding through Sport Scotland and the Scottish government, club development officer Davie Oliver led the sessions.
He said with COVID-19 having a huge impact on their lives, it had been good to continue with the camps.
“The pandemic has really affected young people and they have missed out on so much for 18 months they would have not been able to do the things they normally would,” he said.
“Putting these events on means they’re not sat on their bums but are being kept active and healthy and socialising with other adults and kids who aren’t their family or siblings.
“It’s really important they can do this while enjoying themselves and seeing what the club offers.”
There were squeals of laughter during the sessions as children ran and jumped through hoops with rugby balls, took part in team competitions and snacked on fruit.
One of those having a great time was five-year-old Emmy Kingstree.
“I enjoyed everything,” she said. “And I’ll be coming back tomorrow.”
Hughie Donaldson, 17, helped to run the sessions as part of his Langholm Academy young sports leadership course.
“It’s good to be involved in this and it would be great to see more people get involved in rugby,” he said.
“It creates a good relationship with the kids and opens them up to what rugby can do for them – being part of a team and enjoying the benefits of a social and active lifestyle.
“We don’t want the club folding because nobody is taking part so encouraging talent can really help.”
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