An Academy Update

Posted on Friday, December 19th, 2008

We opened two weeks ago and what a two weeks.  It was supposed to be a “soft” launch…yet we have had nearly 2000 players enjoy the pitches and the excellent changing rooms.  Everyone without fail has marvelled at the facilities…the changing rooms, club room and of course the surface on the two Field Turf pitches. 

We have catered for a wide range of age groups and levels.  The most rewarding has been the regular group of over 50 local youngsters who hang about each evening for the chance of some play.  When it comes about it’s like a step back in time…street football…15 a side, ten+ year age gaps between the players, self refereeing, smallest player in goals, clothes sodden with the rain but the pitches full of laughter, energy and passion.   We had a visit from the local Police yesterday who have noticed a marked reduction in their workload. 

The SRU Under 21 squad held their first training session of a series this week, full contact under the coaching of ex Lions John Jeffrey, Tom Smith and Craig Chalmers.  They enjoyed it so much that pro team Edinburgh Rugby  were then straight on the phone to book some day time sessions over the Festive period.

Kenny Cameron our Development Officer continues his great work.  In schools he has been planning two new programmes to be rolled out In January.  First The Spartans “Read and White Army” a literacy programme aimed at helping youngsters improve their skills by reading and writing about football.  Secondly a Primary One programme helping with Oral Hygiene, Spartans toothbrushes and Dental Floss combined with football drills and skills aimed at reminding the children on the importance of looking after their teeth.  

The cafe did well last weekend and the bar opens this weekend for the first time. The Pinot Grigio is being chilled for Wheelie Jim ready for tomorrow afternoon!!

The full time team of Douglas Samuel, Colin Hutchison, Dan Gerrard and Kenny have done a fantastic job, well done to them all.  We are all very proud of the effort and commitment you have put in.  There was a “snagging” list of some 33 pages so there’s loads more to do to make it how we would like it. Watch out for Sky TV arriving and the decor work starting over the coming few weeks!   The Spartans family has really kicked in with support as well…businesses run by Terry Burns, Keith McLeod, Kevin Wilson, Iain Kirkpatrick, Gary Hucknell and Andy Gray have all made a big contribution.  Thanks to them all, and those who will continue to help over the coming weeks.