Highland recognised for performance and youth section

Highland have been voted BT Club of the Month for November for the 2015/16 season. The club, whose first XV play in the BT Caledonia League Division 1, have been recognised for setting high performance standards across all playing sections and for the development of their youth section.At present, the first XV are unbeaten in the BT Caledonia League Division 1, with eight from eight leaving them in third position behind Gordonians and Glenrothes, having played fewer games due to postponements.The club has also secured its place in the BT Caledonia Shield Final on January 30 where they will take on Glenrothes, after defeating Strathmore in the semi-final on November 28.Highland President, Geoff Begg, said: “Everyone at the club is thrilled to win BT Club of the Month. The commitment from the players and coaches in all the age groups has been excellent and they are deserving of the award.It is especially rewarding for all the volunteers, supporters and sponsors associated with the club and it also recognises their commitment to the club’s long-term goals.”Highland’s youth rugby section is continuing to develop with the club finishing fourth in the Club Youth President’s Conference this season and all age groups fulfilling their fixtures.Highland’s Development Officer, Laurie Cuthbertson, works closely with youth clubs, primary and secondary schools, while also using rugby as an exercise tool for children with disabilities at Drummond School in Inverness.Club Chairman, Andy Little, said: “Our work in the local schools and the community is bearing positive results and is reflected in good numbers throughout all our age groups.”This is the third year in a row that Highland have won a BT Club of the Month award and it reflects the on-going commitment from all at the club to improve standards both on and off the park.The recent success of our first XV is down to the commitment and drive of our coaching team allied to the player’s positive attitude. This award reflects the feel good factor throughout the club.”Highland have showed a continued commitment to coaching, having hosted a range of specialist skills and core CPD (Continuing Professional Development) evenings, in addition to game coaching and Start Rugby Coaching workshops.There is also a spread of UKCC coaches across the age groups at the club and both Level 1 and Level 2 courses have been scheduled for this year.In winning the award, Highland will receive a prize of the value of£1000, through a 12-month BT Sport subscription and£200 cash. They will also win a table for 10 at the Scottish Rugby Club Awards Dinner, and will be subsidised£500 for travel expenses to this event. Highland will also be in the shortlist for the BT Club of the Year award, to be announced at the dinner.