Over 50 young players take to the field as Wanderers score a successful summer camp

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ASPIRING rugby stars have been training hard at this year's Wanderers summer camp.

Youngsters have been getting in on the action at the Greenock Wanderers RCF's week-long holiday camp with over 50 children taking part.

Across the three-day sessions at the Fort Matilda club, children from P1 to P7 have been building up their throwing and catching skills, learning safe tackling techniques and meeting new friends from schools across Inverclyde. The older players have been taking part in mini matches.

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Development officer at Wanderers RFC, Clare Nicholson says this season's camp has been one of the busiest they have seen, with numbers more than doubling since the Easter sessions.

She said: "Running clubs like these keeps rugby out there.

"I think it is important that kids have access to sport all year round, and especially to rugby as obviously it is a winter sport, but trying to get children involved when it is colder outside can be tricky, so our summer camps are great for introducing rugby to them."

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Clare says the week has been 'lots of fun' for both kids and coaches with the sunny weather making it 'all the better'.

She said: "It is also good for the club to keep engagement in the community happening and bring new members in.

"Our camp gives kids the opportunity to learn a new sport and see what the Wanderers is all about."

"Here the kids are learning the fundamental skills of the sport like passing and catching but also fundamental skills of like teamwork, how to overcome challenges and building confidence."

(Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) (Image: George Munro) Six coaches have been leading three different age groups throughout the week with support from some seasoned club members and student volunteers from Inverclyde high school's and university.

Clare added: "This is a great place to give sports students their first experience of coaching which is in a super relaxed [environment] where we are just wanting to help them develop.

"It's all about building on these young people's confidence and giving them opportunities and skills that will help them in their future careers as they progress in sports coaching."