Glasgow & the West Academy relocates to Ravenscraig

29 Jul 2019

The Glasgow & the West branch of the Fosroc Scottish Rugby academy has relocated to the Ravenscraig Regional Sports Facility in Motherwell, where aspiring young players will now rub shoulders with senior Glasgow Warriors and Scotland 7s squads.

The young players will benefit from daily access to the world-class sports complex which features a full-size, World Rugby compliant indoor pitch, as well as an athletics track and high performance gym.

Jamie Dempsey, Glasgow & the West Academy Manager, said: “Our whole S&C, administrative function and rugby training now takes place at Ravenscraig where we have increased access to North Lanarkshire Leisure’s indoor training facilities.

“The indoor pitch has just been re-laid into a World Rugby-compliant surface, with further developments to come, so it’s a very attractive proposition for us to have an increased usage of the facility.

“We can offer a high-performance training environment irrespective of the weather, so I’m delighted we’ve been able to continue and develop our excellent relationship with North Lanarkshire Leisure.”

Dempsey also highlighted the benefits to the young academy players of having the opportunity to train alongside their senior professional counterparts, with both the Scotland 7s team and Glasgow Warriors using the facility regularly.

“They provide excellent role models for our players,” he added.

“There’s nothing quite like being able to see a professional in action on a day-to-day basis, have conversations with them and learn from them.”

Glasgow & the West Academy players will continue to play competitive matches at their previous home, Broadwood Stadium.

With both sites managed by North Lanarkshire Leisure, it’s a partnership that’s gone from strength to strength.

Cllr Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: “This is the latest exciting announcement in the relationship between Scottish Rugby and North Lanarkshire, which continues to flourish thanks to the hard work of everyone involved.

“Ravenscraig is an outstanding facility and I am delighted that the Glasgow & the West Academy have relocated some of their activities to Ravenscraig, while continuing to play their competitive matches at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld.”