Scrum down in Maybole as Carrick Academy becomes 'school of rugby'
30 November
Carrick Academy in Maybole has become one of South Ayrshire's first 'schools of rugby', having signed up to Scottish Rugby and the Scottish Government's initiative to put rugby at the centre of the sports curriculum.
Carrick joins 17 other schools across Scotland, as part of the Schools of Rugby initiative launched this month.
Funded by CashBack for Communities, the Schools of Rugby programme will benefit from approximately £250,000 from the seized proceeds of crime each year and will offer a catalyst to motivate and develop the pupils in the sport.
It will also aim to create an environment where sport makes a significant contribution to the delivery of the Curriculum for Excellence, playing a central role in the life of the local school.
Gordon Brown, sports teacher from Carrick Academy agreed, adding: "Carrick Academy is recognised as one of the best performing local authority rugby schools in Scotland and this money will allow us to further develop our goal at competing near or at the top of inter-schools rugby across Scotland.
"Thanks to the CashBack funding, the schools will be supported with a package of resources enabling more staff to deliver a thriving rugby programme, including a focused curricular programme for a number of S1 pupils.
"We have a well established commitment to developing excellence in rugby and we're very proud of our sporting heritage."
Scottish Rugby's Head of Community Rugby, Colin Thomson said: "Scottish Rugby believes that school sport plays an important role in the education of youngsters.
"Carrick Academy and Marr College both made successful and strong applications to the programme, along with sixteen other schools in Scotland, all of varying playing levels and all committed to establishing and developing this initiative in their school community.
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