Carrick RFC is proud to announce the launch of its new School of Rugby programme, delivered in partnership with Carrick and Girvan Academies. Launched in May 2025, the initiative represents an exciting milestone in the club’s commitment to developing long-term player pathways and deepening community connections across South Ayrshire.

This programme builds on Carrick’s long-standing involvement in local primary and secondary schools, and now adds a more structured and developmental element for pupils in S1 to S3—with ambitions to expand into more year groups as the programme grows.

The School of Rugby has been designed not just to develop young athletes, but to encourage broader engagement with the community. Pupils are supported to take up sport, volunteer locally, and participate in outreach projects such as Friday Night Diversionary Rugby, school holiday camps, and other community initiatives.

Importantly, 45% of the young people involved come from disadvantaged backgrounds, including families in bands 1 and 2 of the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). As such, initiatives like this play a vital role in addressing barriers to participation—whether financial, social, or otherwise.

At its core, Carrick’s School of Rugby aims to widen access to community sport and ensure more young people can benefit from the life skills rugby helps to foster—resilience, teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence. It’s about more than rugby; it’s about helping young people grow, belong, and thrive. The programme is open and inclusive to all pupils, regardless of background, sporting experience, or ability.

What the Programme Offers
• Weekly curriculum-based rugby sessions, delivered in collaboration with school PE staff and club coaches.
• A focus on core rugby skills, game understanding, and character development.
• Clear progression pathways into Carrick RFC’s U14 and U16 squads.
• Future plans include workshops on nutrition, leadership, and well-being.

The School of Rugby is also closely integrated with Carrick’s successful Friday Night Diversionary programme, offering a safe, social space for young people to play rugby, enjoy food, and access sessions on personal development, employability skills, and mental health.

In addition, young people involved in the programme will have access to volunteering opportunities, gaining valuable experience and qualifications through initiatives like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and Saltire Awards.

Carrick RFC’s School of Rugby, and our growing partnership with Carrick and Girvan Academies, reflects the success of our whole-community, whole-person approach to sport—something we are proud of and committed to building on for years to come.

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