Mini Rugby Thriving At City Of Derry

The efforts of children from Derry and surrounding districts were recognised on Saturday at the Mini Rugby end of season presentations at Judge’s Road.

Club President Andrew McCartney paid tribute to the 90 local kids who, during the past season, have turned out each Saturday morning – in snow and in sunshine – to improve their skills in training sessions and in matches with other mini-rugby groups from across the North West.

McCartney said: “Rugby at City of Derry is more than just the 1st XV, and Mini Rugby is a good example of that. Mini Rugby is about giving kids of all abilities the opportunity to learn team skills which will stand them well in their future lives. Its growing success at City of Derry is due to the efforts of a large number of parents who give their time freely to act as coaches, fundraisers and event organisers.”

A special presentation was made to Billy Kyle for the great work he has done over the past 14 years as convenor and coach for Mini Rugby at the club.

Certificates were presented to all of the kids involved and gift tokens were awarded to the Player of the Year and the Most Improved Player in each year group.

P4: Player of the Year – Thomas Cole, Most Improved Player – David Bell
P5: Player of the Year – Mark Woods, Most Improved Player – Jordan Boreland
P6: Player of the Year – Alex McDonnell, Most Improved Player – Rodger Long
P7: Player of the Year – Conor O’Hare, Most Improved Player – Caolan Duffy
P8: Player of the Year – Tom Cameron, Most Improved Player – Oran Lusby

The ethos of Mini Rugby is to introduce the game of rugby in a safe and enjoyable manner, ensuring participation and inclusion. Much effort has been put into boosting the numbers taking part in Mini Rugby at City of Derry to a record 90 with, for the first time at Judge’s Road, three girls taking part in mini-rugby. Registration for next season will take place in early September.