Recently 40 players from the Carrickfergus Under-15s and Under-17s travelled to attend a youth training camp at Letterkenny RFC. As part of a cross border venture with the LKRFC youth section, it was the first time the Carrick sides had travelled to the Donegal town.
The CROP Programme – CRFC Rugby Outreach Programme – is part financed by the EU’s PEACE III Programme, managed for the Special EU Programmes Body by the CAN Peace III Partnership.
The afternoon saw over 70 youth players from both clubs attend a skills development afternoon run by the Carrickfergus coaching staff of M Dickson, J McTeggart, G Hunter, M Kidd, G McCord and B McMurtry.
A large crowd of parents and supporters were highly impressed by the professional approach and preparation that had been put into the skills development session.
The integration of both clubs was total and within a short space of time many friendships were forged. The afternoon session was later followed by fun beach activities based at Lisfallon Beach in Buncrana. A great night was enjoyed by all who attended.
The following day the Carrickfergus and Letterkenny Youths played out a series of conditioned games that were highly beneficial to both clubs.
Players from both sides guested for the opposing teams and enjoyed this unique experience. Letterkenny RFC then hosted all the players and coaches for an afternoon BBQ before the journey home to Carrickfergus.
Commenting on the weekend, Mark Kidd, CRFC Youth coach, said: “This has proved to be a very worthwhile venture for all the young players involved from both clubs.Our thanks go to Martin Mortimor in LKRFC.
“This valuable experience would not have been possible without the funding from Peace III. We are determined to further improve on the groundwork already done within the club in forging cross community links and we are delighted to strike up this relationship with Letterkenny RFC.”
Carrickfergus RFC would like to thank Letterkenny Rugby Club for their superb hospitality and look forward to a return meeting at Woodlawn in the near future.
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