More than 350 pupils from the Edinburgh area were last week involved in a ‘Blitz Day’ designed to strengthen the club’s links with local schools and encourage youngsters to join the ever-swelling ranks of the black and red army.
Some 30 Edinburgh players were dispatched to North Berwick High School, Royal High, Stewart’s Melville and Trinity Academy where they oversaw a high-paced afternoon of rugby drills and answered questions on life in the professional game.
Pupils were given an Edinburgh poster that their heroes could sign on the spot, while the most impressive performers at the skills stations were rewarded with complimentary tickets for the showdown against Benetton Treviso – the first time an Italian team had visited Murrayfield in the Magners League.
Ross Samson, the Edinburgh scrum-half, led the fun and games at Stewart’s Melville, and welcomed the opportunity to spread the word to a host of potential new fans. He said: “It was great to see the youngsters having so much fun, and anything we as professional players can do to highlight the enjoyment that’s to be had from the sport is an absolute pleasure.
“There was a lot of ability on show on the day, and hopefully we were able to provide a few pointers so that the guys keep developing in the right way. Having really enjoyed their company on Wednesday, it would be fantastic to see some of the same faces at our forthcoming matches.”
Craig Docherty, Edinburgh’s chief executive, praised the efforts of pupils and players alike, and underlined the club’s commitment to putting down roots in the local community.
He said: “I’m delighted that the Blitz Day was such a success. I’d like to thank the school children for bringing so much enthusiasm to the event, and also the players for giving a really positive impression of both themselves and the club.
“It’s absolutely vital we get the message out to people at as young an age as possible that this is a fantastic sport, and a fantastic club, to make themselves a part of. It’s great for the kids to meet our guys in person and hear it straight from the horse’s mouth, but we also feel it’s important for that connection to go beyond the day itself.
“That’s why we gave out the tickets for the Benetton Treviso match and encouraged the pupils to bring along their parents, guardians or relatives to see the players in action.
“A Friday night Edinburgh game at Murrayfield is as a great way for families to start their weekend, and last week’s was that extra little bit special because of the novelty of playing an Italian team.
“The way this club will grow is to keep putting ourselves out there and giving as many different groups as possible in the local community a reason to support us.”
Under-18s can show their support for the club by joining the 3,000-strong Edinburgh Crew. Memberships is FREE, and benefits include complimentary tickets for the youngster and an accompanying adult for an Edinburgh game. Click HERE for more details.
