ULSTER Rugby, in conjunction with Ulster Carpets, has launched a ‘Club of the Month’ initiative that will actively reward youth rugby clubs who deliver examples of best practice both on and off the field.
Each monthly winner will receive 30 tickets to an upcoming Ulster Rugby home match, a bespoke training session to be delivered by Ulster Rugby staff or players, as well as a bag of rugby balls, which will be supplied by Ulster Carpets.
The initiative is an expansion of Ulster Carpets’ existing partnership with Ulster Rugby, which covers all boys youth rugby competitions in Ulster and the High Schools’ competitions.
Two Ireland U18 Clubs players, John McCusker (Rainey RFC) and Paul Mullen (Armagh RFC), who have excelled in the youth rugby structures in Ulster, were on hand to help launch the programme at Kingspan Stadium this week.
Chris Webster, Domestic Rugby Manager, Ulster Rugby, welcomed the initiative:
“Youth rugby is continuing to develop in Ulster and it is an area where we see massive growth potential. It is great to have John (McCusker) and Paul (Mullen) here today as a reminder of how success can be achieved in our youth development pathway through dedication, motivation and skill.
“This is a fantastic programme that will not only help to raise the profile of youth rugby in Ulster, but it will also reward our clubs for their hard work and success. Getting access to additional coaching and much-needed equipment should help to raise the standard of youth rugby even more.
“I’d like to thank Ulster Carpets for their continued support of youth and high schools’ rugby in Ulster.”
Nick Coburn, Managing Director, Ulster Carpets, added:
”Ulster Carpets is delighted to support Ulster youth rugby in this new 'Club of the Month' initiative. At Ulster Carpets we advocate involvement in sport for young people as having a positive impact on both physical and mental health, as well as developing valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership and discipline.
”We have seen substantial progress in the Ulster youth programme during our partnership and we know that this new scheme will be a huge success.”
