Angus pupils have been inspired by an international whistler to become qualified rugby referees.
The group are members of the Strathmore Rugby Academy which was created in response to the county’s school timetable shake-up.
The 33-period week was introduced in August following the summer break, with the secondary school day now finishing at 1.20pm on Friday.
A programme of optional activities was developed and the opportunity to take advantage of the early school closure was grasped to create a new rugby academy.
The Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust initiative has enjoyed a hugely successful first year offering more than 30 high school students from Brechin, Forfar and Kirriemuir an opportunity to bring rugby into their lives.
The academy welcomed international rugby referee Sam Grove-White who started his career as a junior player at Montrose RFC.
He is now a professional referee working in Pro 14 and World Sevens Series rugby and has just returned from working at the Commonwealth Games in Australia.
Sam shared his experiences, spoke about the differences between the amateur and professional game, and discussed the benefits of refereeing junior matches at local club level.
Stuart Gray, chairman of the Trust said: “The academy students found Sam very interesting and several have stated they aim to build on the Refereeing Level 1 Taster already provided through the academy by now becoming qualified referees.
“The aim is for these students to ultimately referee junior matches at their local clubs.”
Mr Gray said, having experienced being in the hugely responsible role the players will, in turn, be more respectful of the referee’s position.
“Being able to be a full member of the club by not just playing but being able to referee as well not only improves your own game but develops maturity, confidence and a sense of responsibility in young players,” he said.
As well as the rugby academy which is provided for high school students, there are plans to introduce walking rugby for more mature community members, and Tartan Touch which is an all-inclusive game in which the whole family as well as disabled players can take part and is very much intended as a social activity.
The club is also keen to increase female participation in the game and the academy has been extremely successful in encouraging girls.
James Kiely, strength and conditioning coach for the Trust, said: “All of the students found Sam’s sessions interesting but the girls in particular asked me afterwards about the opportunity to referee at their clubs.
“Getting girls to take part in rugby has always been tough in Angus so it’s great that they are getting such a broad experience at the academy.”
