While some agonise over our defeat against Latvia last Saturday, Malta’s rugby community will look forward.
Preparations are already underway for the next round of internationals in April 2011, the local rugby season starts this weekend at Marsa and clubs, together with the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU), are focusing on the future.
This Sunday, thanks to a new initiative sponsored by GasanMamo Insurance, children between the ages of 9 and 17 will have the opportunity to take part in a few mini-matches, meet club coaches and players, and attend a master class in the sport, given by national coach, Damian Neill and national squad members.
GasanMamo Insurance has sponsored the MRFU since 2006, with a particular focus on youth rugby. “The development of young people is something we believe in wholeheartedly,” company director Julian J. Mamo said.
“Our corporate responsibility strategy includes educational and social initiatives targeting young people, and our support of the MRFU emphasises the importance of youth development through healthy lifestyles, including sport.”
In the lead-up to Sunday’s event, Chris Martin, a member of the MRFU Youth Sub-Committee (for Birkirkara Alligators) reminisced on the early days of rugby in Malta as he stressed his and the MRFU’s desire to sustain the progress with special emphasis on youths.
“As an 80’s teenager, I played pick-up rugby with senior players in the Phoenicians Rugby Club on a rocky pitch at Marsa – no major injuries, just a few grazes – and then later as a founder member of the University team,” Martin said.
“Such was the enthusiasm of fellow students and players, the Rugby Association of Malta emerged as a result. By 1996, we had six clubs.
“Later, as MRFU secretary in 2000, I was entrusted with developing a five-year strategic plan as part of our getting into international rugby, affiliating Malta with the International Rugby Board (IRB) and the Association of European Rugby (FIRA/AER).”
As rugby took off in Malta, those running the game increased their efforts to attract more youngsters to the sport.
“From the start, we recognised the importance of encouraging youth rugby and a number of coaching schemes were initiated with schools,” Martin said.
“But, progress was haphazard, primarily because many of the clubs themselves were still growing, no older volunteers were available, or were leaving the game. However, that’s the past.
“Clubs are active in youth rugby now; enjoying the rewards of coaching and passing the torch to younger generations.”
The drive to boost youth rugby is leaving the desired effect thanks to the increased efforts of the MRFU and clubs and the support of companies like GasanMamo.
“It’s club-driven, supported by the MRFU and of course, GasanMamo to whom we’re extremely grateful,” Martin remarked.
“We now have six clubs – Kavallieri, Overseas, Gladiators, Falcons, Birkirkara Alligators and Stompers – doing their bit for youth development, either coaching in colleges and schools or nurseries or both.
“In addition, Valletta Lions stage many Open Days and they’ve had great turnouts thus far.
“At the same time, a number of rugby-player or rugby-friendly PE teachers working at state or private schools, are helping us in our outreach programme. We feel nothing but gratitude for their help.
“Our goal is to get children playing from ages 7 to 11 this year, to start the conveyor belt for clubs, that is a seven- to 10-year plan that will create a steady supply of Rugby Ready players for the senior leagues as well as the national squad.
“It goes without saying that our Rugby Day on Sunday will be an enormous help.
“We’re growing all the time, but don’t forget the large numbers of kids that already play... apart from developing their sporting prowess, they will tell you we have huge fun!”
Pride
Martin and all those who have youth rugby at heart drew great pride from seeing two young Maltese players score tries in Saturday’s 33-26 defeat to Latvia at the Hibs Stadium.
“I was very happy to see two players who came out of our development programme score tries for their country last Saturday, namely Matthew Camilleri and Malcolm Attard, both from Stompers RFC,” Martin said.
“Both should be proud of their achievement and we should all applaud their perseverance in attaining national squad status.
“Playing for a national rugby team is an enormous achievement in any country at any level.
“The national squad management is of the highest level, the camaraderie unique, the quality an incredible learning experience for all who participate in it, something that could be applied even in their professional lives.”
Sunday’s activity marks the beginning of the six-week Rugby-Ready programme.