Kirkcaldy RFC
Background
In the past both Balwearie High School and Kirkcaldy High School have successfully introduced generations of boys to rugby with consequent benefits to Kirkcaldy RFC, who at one time were able to field six senior fifteens. Balwearie in particular had a sound record in producing quality players with four former pupils representing Scotland Under 20 or 21. The other two high schools in the town, Viewforth High School and St Andrews High School, have also been involved with rugby at various times. However, over the last ten years rugby has virtually disappeared from Kirkcaldy secondary schools, both as a curricular and extra curricular activity, and now there are only two men’s and one women’s team.
Curricular changes and management attitudes in the past have not been helpful to rugby and contributed to the demise of the game. Approaches to these schools usually produced a negative reply. This year however, there has been a positive response to the club’s request for the re-introduction of the game in Balwearie High School.
Kirkcaldy has been a stronghold of women’s rugby for over twenty years and has seen many fluctuations in player numbers and fortunes. The club has won consecutive promotions into the Women’s Premier League and to consolidate that status it was agreed that Kirkcaldy would become a hub for girls’ rugby in Fife. After a successful start two years ago with around 30 girls from throughout the county turning up on a weekly basis, the scheme has collapsed through lack of funding. This is a highly regrettable situation
Present Position
The initial contact with the Balwearie High School rector led to a further meeting with the depute rector responsible for physical education which produced an excellent outcome. Fife Council have instructed their schools in terms of the Curriculum for Excellence to develop team sports. With the Club in close proximity to the school, rugby is ripe for development for both boys and girls. Clearly there are issues concerning health and well being which rugby can help to address.
However the school staff do not have the requisite coaching qualification or expertise, so the Club will need to provide the technical input with the school attending to administrative needs. The school rugby programme would be mainly undertaken at the Club’s facilities which are within a couple of hundred metres of the school. Altogether this would create an important rugby hub.
At Kirkcaldy High School, formerly a real rugby stronghold, there are indications they too wish serious involvement in the game. The other two secondary schools have also indicated their respective interests in becoming actively involved with rugby union. This would give us a very broad base in the area, which is essential if our plans are to succeed.
Through the local Rugby Development Officer, it is intended, to develop Fife wide leagues for both boys and girls in the various age groups. Not only will Kirkcaldy rugby benefit, but rugby throughout the county will as well.
Currently Kirkcaldy part funds a modern apprentice along with the Scottish Rugby Union and operates in the primary schools in Kirkcaldy and district.
Implications for the Club
These are mainly financial. The club‘s voluntary and fully qualified coaching staff are available during school hours and the Balwearie HS and club representatives have estimated that to continue, annual cost around £5000 would be incurred - mainly in coaching fees. If Kirkcaldy HS decides to link up with the club on the same basis, a similar sum will be required and likewise, If the other two schools decide to fully implement these arrangements then even more funds will need to be raised and significant ongoing investment is required.
The generous donation from Friends of Scottish Rugby is an invaluable contribution to these plans and we are very grateful for their support.
The Future of Kirkcaldy rugby
As stated, this is only the beginning – to have all the local schools involved would be fantastic and is achievable. For Scottish rugby to prosper this type of investment is essential as central funding appears to be out of the question, as does a commitment to develop sports in general within the state school arena.
Kirkcaldy is fully committed to promotion and development of youth rugby and with the help of partners such as Friends of Scottish Rugby we can achieve a lot. This can only be beneficial to the Scottish game in general which we all crave.
Derek Harper
President & Secretary
KRFC
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Kirkcaldy Rugby Club