The session was organised by Bannockburn player-coach and Royal Bank RugbyForce Young Ambassador, David Grainey, in partnership with Scottish Rugby and aimed to inspire a generation of young rugby players in the local area.

David was awarded with a £500 grant by Royal Bank RugbyForce to fund the festival, while also providing him with the training and skills needed to promote his club.

On the day of the festival, 23 teams from East Plean Primary, Cowie Primary, St Margaret’s Primary, Bannockburn Primary, St. Marys Primary, Braehead Primary and Borestone Primary played in a round-robin format, with Bannockburn Team A beating the friendly competition to take home the top spot.

David now hopes that this festival will become an annual event.

The young rugby players also had the chance to see the Calcutta Cup, which was brought to the event by Scottish Rugby.

Speaking about the festival, David said: “Encouraging the next generation of rugby players through initiatives like this is so important to ensuring the future of the sport is as bright as the past. By getting a host of school children along for a rugby festival, we’ve hopefully helped to engage them in the game from a young age – creating Bannockburn’s next generation of players.

“It’s our hope that maybe 10 percent of the kids who came to the festival will join the rugby club so that we can have a thriving mini section.”

In the lead up to the festival, David also provided an eight-week programme involving eight primary schools, delivering rugby sessions to build up confidence and skills.

“The main things we have focused on during this programme have been on respect, pride, togetherness and family”, said David.

“Helping rebuild young people’s confidence and social skills following on from the Covid-19 pandemic has been that the heart of this project, with rugby as the facilitator to do it. It’s been fantastic watching their confidence and friendships blossom.”

A fantastic example of Scottish Rugby’s #AsOne moto.

Royal Bank Young Ambassador Programme

The Young Ambassador programme aims to help clubs across Scotland strengthen their ties with their local communities and make positive societal change.

Royal Bank RugbyForce Young Ambassador, David Grainey, said: “From funding to training, being a part of Royal Bank’s Young Ambassador programme has allowed me to support local young talent to develop their own skills and abilities.”

The programme is back for 2022 and we are looking to grow our support.

Click HERE to find out more and to apply.

Article by Adam Cussack
Photo credit: George Vekic