GALA RUGBY TO MOVE FORWARD WITH ALL AGE GROUPS UNDER ONE UMBRELLA
Following Gala Rugby’s appointment of a new Director of Rugby and coaching team for the senior players, it has now been confirmed that all age grade teams will fall under the banner of Gala Rugby going forward.
Historically, Gala Wanderers (U18) and Gala Red Triangle (U16) have operated as separate but affiliated clubs. However, formal discussions which took place over the period of lockdown have identified and accepted the need for change. As a result, it has been agreed to dissolve both clubs as separate entities.
The interests of all U18 players from Mini Maroons, primary school and right through secondary school, both boys and girls, will now be represented directly on the Executive Board of Gala Rugby.
The U18 and U16 teams will continue to play under their respective team names of Gala Wanderers and Gala Red Triangle to preserve their long and illustrious history.
“This opens up an exciting future for rugby development in Galashiels and the surrounding area,” says Ian Dalgleish, Gala Rugby President. “There is now a clear and direct pathway for youngsters, both boys and girls, to progress from primary school through to senior rugby in a straightforward, planned and structured way, with youth development the key to the future of the club.”
“We are both delighted and excited by the prospect of creating such an inclusive and forward looking organisation which fits with our mission to be an open, welcoming, inclusive and sustainable club pursuing rugby success, performance and sporting participation across all sections of the local community.”
A fundamental part of the pathway for teenagers is working closely with Galashiels Academy who, with assistance from club Development Officers, have been producing exciting, quality players for many years. As a result of these changes, clarity of progress and player development at the secondary school should be enhanced.
Work has already started to ensure Gala Rugby’s age-group teams have a great coaching setup. Bill Noble, Director of Rugby, has put together a solid team of Lawrence McPherson (Team Manager) alongside Bruce Chalmers, Tom Weir and Alan Johnston as coaches for Gala Wanderers. The team for the Gala Red Triangle will be equally strong and includes Mark Moncrieff, Mike Gruba, Euan Wilson and Gary Robertson as coaches with the Team Manager still to be confirmed.
