As the summer term ends and schools wind up for a well deserved break the Community Projects based at Rodney Parade are bracing themselves for the influx of hundreds of rugby mad youngsters as they participate in the Dragons summer camps.
Last year was the first time that these had been held and everyone involved agreed that they had been an absolutely roaring success. The kids attending were treated to life as a professional rugby player. They enjoyed first class coaching from the newly promoted Newport Backs Coach and head of the Community Projects Mike Sage.
As with last year, Mike has meticulously planned each and every session with the same professionalism and determination that he will soon apply to his Newport training duties. The sessions are intended to improve not only rugby skills but also overall fitness and sportsmanship. Mike’s proven adage is that those ‘who train hard, play hard and fair’, what a great starting point for the girls and boys who attend the courses.
“We aim to make their (the kids) time here at Rodney Parade a memorable one," said Mike. "The courses this year are different in actual terms from those of last year, we want those players who enjoyed our sessions last season to gain new experiences and techniques building on their enthusiasm and keenness.
“However,” he continued, “some of the basic themes will be repeated as they allow the players to experience life as full time rugby player. They will be meeting Dragons players and will rub shoulders with the whole squad when they enjoy a lunch with them.”
"Of course we are very proud of the courses that are prepared for both the three-day and the one-day courses, but we are realistic and we want players to attend because they will get an excellent chance to improve their skills and enjoy the game of rugby. We want the youngsters to keep coming back year after year. We have three full time coaches, a physio and an education officer. No other region, team or squad can provide what we offer here at The Dragons.”
If you want to get on board and enjoy The Dragons camp experience then you had better be quick, places are at a premium with little openings left. A few places are still available, refer to www.newportgwentdragons.com for further information or contact Mike Sage on 01633 674954.
So if your not in Disneyland, come and enjoy the rugby equivalent. See you there.
