Youngsters enjoy rugby training at Clickimin open day

Shetland Rugby Club staged a successful “come and try” open day at Clickimin yesterday, as the new season approaches.

Potential players, coaches, helpers and supporters were invited to go along and get involved with the club and many took advantage of the excellent weather to do so.

The event coincided with the I Am Team GB campaign, based on the success of the British team at the Olympic Games in Rio, where the rugby sevens side won a silver medal.

As part of the move, supported by the National Lottery, thousands of clubs across the country allowed people to try out new sports for free. ITV switched off its channels for an hour yesterday morning to help the campaign.

Primary school rugby sessions took place at the Clickmin pitch from 10am to 11am, followed by training for secondary pupils. Male and female players of all ages were encouraged to get involved with fun games and activities.

Senior sessions for both men and women were also held. With a women’s team being entered in a mainland league this season, along with the continuing participation of the senior men’s team in the BT Caledonia league, the Shetland club hopes more players can be attracted to help cope with the busy schedule.