CLUB
Easter Camp
Last week saw Raeburn Place host the annual BATs’ Easter rugby camp over three days. The camp is for children aged 5-15 and we had good numbers across the age groups, although the P1-3 group was by far the largest. BATs’ Rugby MA, Gregor Devine, ran the camp as part of his MA3 programme. He put a lot of time and effort into the organisation of the camp and this showed in how well each day went.
Day one: Both coaches and players are always a bit nervous on the first morning: the coaches because of the uncertainty around numbers and the players because it can be a bit daunting when it is a large group and a mix of ages. However, we were delighted with the turn out and the players responded fantastically, putting in huge amounts of effort. The youngest group spent the morning looking at movement into space and dodging, with the two older groups looking at handling through games. The afternoon saw the first of our Six Alternative Nations’ mixed touch tournament. This was structured so that five points were awarded if a P1-3 scored, three points for a P4-5 and one point for a P6+. This was a great way to mix the groups up, encouraging teamwork and learning with others and ensuring the older ones supported and engaged their younger teammates.
Day two: We were delighted to see an increase in our numbers on the second day – word had obviously spread. We looked at tagging and team play with the P1-3s, while the P4+ groups worked on contact skills. Working in their age groups, the older children focused on individual tackle technique and the different types of tackles, either being introduced to new techniques or fine-tuning technique for players with some experience. After lunch, all age groups played condition games to put into practice what they had learnt in the morning session. These games use scoring systems for certain elements that have been taught earlier. The day ended with some small-sided age group games, to give the players a challenge. These small games help the coaches identify potential areas for individual players to work on.
Day three: The final day can be quite challenging for the youngest group as the days have been very physical and the little ones can start to tire. We started the day with the second of our two Six Alternative Nations’ tournaments. Each of the age groups then broke out and played small-sided games until lunch. After lunch the groups alternated between more small-sided games – putting into practice what had been learnt – and participating in a skills assault course competition, with the difficulty set appropriately depending on the age group. The course involved fast feet, passes off both hands, a cones’ agility course, a mini tackle bag and a kick between the posts from hand. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the competition and it was great to see them all trying so hard towards the end of the day.
Each age group had a player of the day and, at the end of the three days, a player of the camp. The coaches award these prizes based on effort, enthusiasm, willingness to listen and learn and much more. Congratulations to all our players of the day and players of the camp. The camp was a great success, with all the players enjoying themselves and getting a lot out of the three days. We hope to see the same participants back at our summer camp – watch out for details in the next few weeks.
Ed Saunders Cup, Wednesday 13 April – PLEASE SUPPORT
The Ed Saunders’ Cup is an annual competition between BATs U18s and the Edinburgh Academy 1st XV. This year’s encounter will be held at Raeburn Place on Wednesday 13 April with a 18.00 kick off.
The BATs team will be made up of players from a variety of north Edinburgh schools. There is always a great atmosphere when these two young squads meet. We are hoping for a highly competitive game – and for BATs to regain the trophy from Edinburgh Academy. Please come and support if you can.

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BATs weekly review 05Apr16

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