Stracathro Estates a property, agriculture and renewables company based north of Brechin have agreed to support the Trust to develop its aims of “Developing People Through Rugby”.

Founded in June 2017, with the aim of increasing participation in rugby union and rugby league in the Forfar, Brechin and Kirriemuir areas. The Strathmore Rugby Club Community Trust is taking a holistic approach in encouraging a lifelong involvement with sport.

A Rugby Academy was started in August 2017 for local secondary age youngsters and to date the students have had theory sessions on nutrition, mental preparation and rehabilitation. In addition there has been guidance in effective pre match stretching and practical sessions on rugby skills within both Union and League, strength and conditioning, all part of raising the understanding of what is involved in participating in sport.

Recently the pupils have also completed the Level 1 Refereeing Practical and Theory tests allowing them to give back to their clubs by refereeing primary age games. Plans for the next term include an introduction to cricket and coaching youth rugby.

The Trust hopes that the pupils from the Rugby Academy, with help from their clubs Strathmore RFC and Brechin RFC, will continue to grow either as players, referees, coaches or volunteers.

Stuart Gray, Chairman of the Trust, comments

“This welcome support is invaluable and we are very grateful to Stracathro Estates for both their financial help and their belief in what we are doing.”

Gordon Cairns, Director of Stracathro Estates, says:

“We are delighted to be involved with the Trust and to sponsor some of its excellent work with youngsters. We are very impressed by the vision and drive of the Chairman and his Trustees, and look forward greatly to working with them over the next three years.”