Waysiders Drumpellier
Youth
“Youth rugby is the lifeblood for the sustainability of the
sport at WD. We have a vibrant and growing youth set up as
a stand-alone. However, we’ve been fortunate to be able to
help grow and develop strong links with two local School of
Rugby Schools with Smithycroft Secondary in the East End of
Glasgow headed up by Mr Iain Grant, and closer to home with
Coatbridge High School. The programme there headed up by
Mr Jake Wilson.
We currently have senior players in part time development
roles delivering in curriculum coaching sessions to help further
grow the sport and links with the club. Having that link is key
to transitioning boys and girls playing at the school to playing
at and for the club.”
Integration
“It’s easy for any of us to find an excuse not to go to training,
however the regular attendance en masse is testament to the
enjoyment of the sessions and the friendship bonds that are
made on the rugby field. People say it’s unlike any other sport.
The beauty of rugby is there is a place for everyone.
Young players need to feel they belong, we help nurture
that ensuring everyone has the opportunity to contribute in
shaping the club’s future and that friendships made in rugby
are more often for life, rather than just a season. Ensuring
there’s familiarity with the senior squad is key to ensuring the
youth transition through, we’ve had a gap for a few years and
will have for a few more. However, when the current under
15 boys and girls reach senior level WD will be a force to be
reckoned with.”
Ambitions
“Success in the next five years would see us have at least
one full team at each youth age grade. A women’s 1st XV
team bolstered by our current U15 and U18 girls. An increased
senior squad to accommodate two or even three senior men’s
teams. On a personal level I’d like to see a resurgent WD40 side
for the old blokes to be put out to pasture.
We’d also like to see a further development in our facilities
by adding a second park and perhaps dare I say a 4G one. This
would help accommodate the multitude of players and games
we’d be required to play. In addition, it would help drive an
additional revenue stream. We’ve had initial conversations
with the council in relation to this and initial top line views are
positive. We’ll see. Let’s get the changing rooms build first.”
Bill Ferguson has had a long and positive association with Waysiders Drumpellier RFC. He recently told Rugby
Club Magazine about his historic association with the club, saying, “As a pupil of Caldervale High I would play
school rugby in the morning and club rugby for Waysiders in the afternoon. At fifteen years old it could be quite
daunting playing against fully grown men but that’s the way it was then. My main position was wing forward
although I did venture into the front row on occasion. A snapped achilles put an end to my playing career at the
age of 37 although off the record I may still venture for one last play with my son!
In 1993, both clubs amalgamated as a solution to afterschool rugby having taken a down turn and concerns
about a pathway for young people entering this great sport, it was felt that a stronger future could be secured
with this union. Waysiders Drumpellier Rugby Club was formed and as well as being a 1st XV player I was
privileged to be inaugurated as the club’s first president.
Twenty-five years down the line it’s great to see how the club has grown. My son Gary, the current 1st team
captain, has been at the club for over a decade now and with the club competing so well on the pitch a real
chance of promotion and champion winning honours exists for our club; this has naturally resulted in more
competition for places amongst players. The crunch games and ultimately the outcome of our season will be
determined by the home and away fixtures against Glasgow University Medics on the 2nd and 23rd of March.
I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed my association with Waysiders Drumpellier Rugby Club over the years
and wish everyone at the club the very best of continued success for the next 25 years!”
13 Issue 83
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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