Cartha Queen’s Park recognised for their commitment to team development 

Cartha Queen’s Park have been awarded the second BT Club of the Month for the 2016/17 season. The Glasgow based club, whose 1st XV remained at the top of BT National League Division 2 throughout October as a result of the hard work being put in place to ensure player development across all squads.To implement this strategy, Cartha have introduced a wider based coaching team, along with planning, video analysis and structured debriefing sessions so players can be educated on discipline and rugby laws to improve their knowledge and tactical understanding of the game.Cartha President, Gordon Miller said: “We are delighted with the award, which reflects the combined efforts of players, coaches, volunteers and supporters at all levels at the club. Our aim is to develop our players no matter what age or level they play at.” He added: “Our 1st XV have shown that these new coaching ideas not only work but are worthwhile, since they have managed to stay at the top of the table regardless of losing players to injury.” Cartha’s 2nd XV sat in third place in the BT West Reserve League Division 1 during October and continue to challenge for promotion, while the club’s women’s team are consistently fulfilling their fixtures in BT Women’s Premier League. Cartha is a Focus Club for women’s rugby which has led to significant improvements due to bespoke, dedicated coaching for the U15 and U18 girls’ teams. The number of girls playing rugby at Cartha has increased from a small group at the start of last season, to more than 30 U15 and U18 girls training on a weekly basis; seven of which are also in the club’s Academy. Miller said: “We’re thrilled to see so many girls come to play rugby at Cartha, especially as we look to create a clear pathway for girls to move on to play with our senior women’s team.This pathway is natural for boys and we want to see it become natural for girls too.” The U15 girls also recorded great results in October at the Waysiders Festival where they were joint winners. The U18 girls were undefeated and were the overall winners of the festival. As well as having a thriving girls section, Cartha’s junior teams regularly participate in rugby festivals and coaching sessions. The vibrant U18 boys’ team are guided by senior coaches and players to build on the ‘one club’ ethos. Cartha also work hard to build relationships within the community and provide free use of its facilities to local schools, while working hand in hand with development officers to provide players and coaches with the tools to develop school rugby.