Schools and Youth Conferences hailed a success

Scottish Rugby’s Schools and Youth Conference programme has been hailed a success following its first year of completion as it continues to grow and review youth rugby in Scotland.For the first time, rugby-playing schools across the country who have teams at every age level have been grouped into conferences based on the number of teams they field and the quality of their rugby. Eleven conferences consisting of six school, four club and one Borders inter-town conference enabled the participation of 40 clubs and 47 schools across Scotland (24 state schools – 13 of which are Schools of Rugby supported by Scottish Government CashBack funding – and 23 Independent schools).Match fulfilment rates at under-15, under-16 and under-18 have increased to 78%, with an additional 466 competitive games being played at under-13 and under-14 levels. Scottish Rugby’s Head of Youth and Schools, Colin Thomson, said: “This season’s conference structure has provided both schools and clubs with the opportunity to grow their involvement across all age levels.”The conferences have provided more young players with regular, appropriate matches and have equipped them with the relevant skills and attributes to ensure they stay in the game into their adult years.” Each school/club played at all age levels during the autumn term, with points awarded for each team participating to give a total number of points for each school/club per match day.The development of state school rugby participation across the Conference structure has contributed to the exciting rugby culture which currently exists in both schools and clubs.Chris Thomas, Head of Rugby at Preston Lodge High School, said: “The Conference structure has enhanced our traditional fixture list and given our players genuine focus for greater challenges.”Our under-16 team made it to the quarter-finals of the Scottish Rugby Schools’ Cup and we have two players currently in the national extended squads.”Combined with our player numbers dramatically increasing, this is by far our most successful rugby season for decades.”Keith Stewart, fixtures secretary at Mackie Academy, added: “The conferences have made fixture organisation much easier and provided our youth section with a more cohesive feel, as we all take an interest in other year groups as well as our own.”Scottish Rugby’s Conference structure has also contributed to an increased interest in coaching development with participation levels in the UKCC Level 1 (Coaching Children) workshop up by 30%.The Conference programme is set to return next autumn with Scottish Rugby maintaining the same structure for both schools and clubs, as it continues to build and grow youth rugby across Scotland.Conference Winners: SCHOOLS:Red Conference: Merchiston Castle SchoolBlue Conference: Fettes CollegeWhite Conference: George Heriot’s School / Glasgow AcademyPurple Conference: Trinity AcademyBlack Conference: St Columba’s School (Kilmacolm)CLUBS:President’s Conference: Stirling County RFCRed Conference: Deeside / Wanderers RFC White Conference: Biggar RFCBrown Conference:East Kilbride RFC Borders Town v Town: Hawick RFC