New scheme to develop future stars of rugby
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THE Far North is an untapped resource for rugby talent waiting to be unearthed.
That is the view of Neil Livett who has been appointed the club development officer for Caithness Rugby Club.
The 50-year-old believes with the right structure in place, the area could provide stars for the future.
Mr Livett was appointed to his post in April by the Scottish Rugby Union. His aim is to increase the number of children and adults in Caithness taking part in the game and develop its coaching structure.
Mr Livett has been involved in rugby development for over 15 years in the UK and USA.
He said he is looking forward to helping develop the junior game in the area.
"My main focus is to encourage the number of young players with the Caithness club system and to develop the game at primary and secondary school level," he told the Caithness Courier.
"In the past Caithness had a very vibrant junior section, but in recent years it seems to have fragmented.
"I am in the process of setting up an administration board which will hopefully help promote the sport for five to 18 years."
The Rugby World Cup takes place in New Zealand this September and Mr Livett is looking to organise extra curriculum activities in Caithness to help promote the sport.
Two tag rugby festivals are scheduled to take place in Thurso and Wick in October to encourage boys and girls to get involved.
He believes there is a demand for rugby in the Far North but it needs to be more accessible.
"There is a great appetite for rugby in this part of the world. What has been lacking is getting that enthusiasm across from schools into the club.
"We are looking at long player development levels at Caithness Rugby Club. To do that, we need to get children into rugby.
"The emphasis at primary school level is about having fun. Unlike in other sports at that age, there is no selection process and anyone who turns up will get to play."
He added: "The whole culture of rugby can be very beneficial to a child’s development. It is a great character-building sport and teaches respect for the people children play with and their opponents."
This autumn will also see the start of a new northern secondary school league for S1 to S2.
Funded by the SRU, the league will feature school teams from Thurso, Wick, Kirkwall and Stromness which will play in a competition from September to October.
Caithness Rugby Club will be responsible for the development of U15, U16 and U18 levels where teams will play in the North West Caledonian Club League.
The girls’ game is also being developed with various training camps running through the summer.
It is hoped Caithness Rugby Club will be able to create its first female side next season to play against other teams in the Highlands.
Mr Livett is also starting coach development training sessions in Caithness which aim to teach parents and former players coaching and refereeing skills.
He said for his plans to be successful, he needs the support of the community.
"Previously, the nearest town where you could receive coach training was in Inverness. We can’t survive without enthusiastic parents who will get involved with the running of the club.
"Those who attend the coaching sessions will get all the assistance they need in helping to develop their coaching and refereeing skills."
For more information visit www.caithnessrfc.co.uk
