On Friday 27th July Royston Rugby Club hosted its first ever summer rugby camp. Over 100 children enjoyed free rugby activities courtesy of the volunteers that gave up their time freely.
The sessions were led by Roystons own Men’s Head Coach Hannah Gallagher, the Saracens and England Women player got the kids moving early on with dynamic warm ups and then it was into the sessions!
Royston Ladies coach Derek Griffiths ran a session on handling, Director of Rugby Jamie Green concentrated on the breakdown whilst Mini and Youth Chairman Niall Tallis did a session on continuity, starting with asking the kids what it actually meant!
The club was also pleased to be joined by RFU Community Rugby Coach Tom Mowbray who led a session on decision-making.
It was a very hot day so the coaches shortened some of the rugby sessions to keep the children out of the direct sun and provided plenty of cover and drinking water. The water balloons came out later in the day as the focus switched to fun in the sun. The day concluded with a fun quiz and challenge followed by an opportunity to ride the bouncy castle slide.
The club was joined by the community and some of its sponsors for an evening event designed to showcase the best of the club and why the club has been nominated for three national rugby awards! The Saracens mascot Sarrie the Camel made an appearance much to the children’s delight, Sarrie had learnt how to Dab over the summer and also participated in Hannah Gallagher’s Rugby fitness session!
Unfortunately, the hot weather decided to end with a storm that started as the BBQ was underway, but this did not dampen spirits and the touch rugby demonstration led by Hugh Murfitt carried on regardless!
The day would not have been possible without the above volunteers; we also wish to thank Robert Hay, Dominic Boyle, Bernadette Bethel, Catherine Tallis, Angela Symonds, Carly Cole, Russ Webster, Colin Barnes, Nick Taylor, Phil Kelly, Hugh Murfitt and Erika Bosman.
Special Thanks to Louise Baldwin and Victoria Green for organising the whole thing.
Thank you to the RFU, Saracens and the Heath café for supporting this event.

Some feedback from parents:

I'd just like to say how much {Child} enjoyed his day at Rugby Camp, he loved all the activities and had great fun.

Can I just say how well I thought the event was organised, all the information we needed was provided in one succinct well written email - it left me as parent with no 'if's, but's or maybe's' which is fab. The fact that is was free was amazing so a huge well done to all involved.

Thank you so much for..putting together a fabulous day for all those children last Friday.
{child} really enjoyed the day and would love to join when you begin in September.

Just wanted to say that my son {name} had a brilliant day last friday, he told us all about the rugby skills he had learnt and how much fun he had had. It was such a shame it ended with the storm but we enjoyed a quick go on the bouncy castle and a burger! It really demonstrated what a great community the rugby team are and still amazed it was all for free.

It was a great day and {name} really enjoyed himself.I hope you can pass on massive thanks to all the other volunteers.