Youth development drive paying off

The School of Rugby is continuing with its endeavours to promote the game and introduce more young players to the sport through regular training sessions and other activities away from the field of play.

Under the auspices of the Malta Rugby Football Union (MRFU) and GasanMamo Insurance, the main sponsors of Maltese youth rugby for several years now, training is held regularly on weekends at Marsa.

Children aged five to 17 practise under the tutelage of dedicated coaches, ensuring safety at all times. The development process has been constant.

Visitors to Marsa during training on Sundays have been impressed with the energy and enthusiasm the young players are putting in to hone their skills and basic understanding of the game.

Activities are not just restricted to the field of play. Keen to reach as wide an audience as possible, the MRFU and its clubs are increasingly active in promoting and developing the sport within schools.

Regular training sessions are organised and delivered by various volunteers with the support of PE teachers.

Julian J. Mamo, GasanMamo director, said: “It’s great to see the children so excited about the game. The atmosphere is catching.

“GasanMamo’s support of the game not only seeks to instil positive values but also looks towards a holistic development of children, with the help of rugby training.”

Bi-annual competitions take place in April and December, featuring tag and touch rugby, depending on age. There are no trophies or medals at stake, so all players are winners.

However, plans are in store to select the best from each group who will feature in an exhibition of youth rugby at the Hibs Stadium on April 30, just before the Malta vs Croatia international match.

One may obtain more details on the School of Rugby through youth@mrfu.org or pro@mrfu.org.