Hundreds Take Part in Rugby Blitz

June 13th, 2009

MORE than 100 youngsters from the Swords area were at ALSAA on Friday night to take part in a rugby extravaganza. Organised by Swords RFC, the 'Grand Slam Blitz' saw many of the children who had taken part in the club's youth development programme show off their skills on a bigger stage.

The night featured a host of tag matches, as well as conditioned rugby games, while there was plenty of fun and games for all those taking part. The club also held a barbecue for all participants and their parents and by all the accounts, the blitz was a resounding success. 'We held the last round of an after-school league we have been running, as well as semi-finals and the final,'

Swords RFC YDO Jamie Gormly said. 'There was also a round-robin tag blitz for girls on the night. The club provided Swords Rugby t-shirts for each individual team, as well as medals for the winners and burgers and refreshments. 'We also had some goodies and prizes provided by the Leinster Branch. All in all, it was a great night and something we'll look to run on an annual basis.'

As the summer holidays draw nearer, Swords are determined to continue their hard work and have already planned another blitz day for August. They'll also be holding a recruitment drive over the coming weeks, at all levels. 'The main aims of the blitz were to reward the kids for their efforts, give them the feel of playing big games in front of a good crowd and to introduce the parents to Swords Rugby Club. 'It was vital that we as a club were prepared to show the parents and kids who we are and what we have to offer, as well as building relationships into the future. After all, they are our future and this is their club.'