New Dimension For Ulster Summer Camps
Ulster Rugby Summer Camps took on a new dimension recently as sixty-three 13 to 17-year-olds attended the state of the art High Performance Centre based at the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, for a special ‘Senior Summer Camp’ sponsored by Centra.
Over the course of the week, these young participants had the opportunity to develop their skills both on and off the pitch, under the supervision of Ulster Rugby Community Rugby coaches.
The week-long programme included modules such as individuals skills, team defence, strength and conditioning, nutrition and video analysis, each delivered by specialists in the respective areas.
Community Rugby Manager Barry Willis commented: “This is the first time the Community Rugby team has teamed up with the Ulster Rugby Academy directly, and the success of this event already has us looking at possibilities to extend the opportunities offered in enterprises such as this, to more young participants.
“We would like to thank everyone involved in the partnership project, from our sponsors Centra, right through to our hosts, and partners at the University of Ulster.
“Without them we would never have been able to deliver the quality of experience that the young participants have had this week.”
The programme was lucky enough to coincide with a visit to Ulster from Paul MacKinnon, the All Blacks High Performance Player Development Manager, who dropped in to pay a surprise visit to the young participants and give them a little insight into what it take to be involved at the highest levels of the game.
In addition, Ulster players Neil McComb and Ian Whitten attended the camp midweek to offer advice to the youngsters.