Andrew Takes Top Rugby Award
Published on:
19
May 2008
Andrew Simpson, Clackmannanshire Council's rugby apprentice, has been named Apprentice of the Year at the 2008 Scottish Rugby Awards.
Andrew (18) collected the award at the ceremony which was hosted by the BBC's Hazel Irvine at Murrayfield Stadium on Friday 25th May.
He was up against around 30 other apprentices from across Scotland, the majority of whom work with rugby clubs, and scooped the title after judges heard about his impressive work to promote rugby in Clackmannanshire.
As well as his everyday work with school staff organising festivals, taking secondary teams to leagues and coaching within the Active Schools team, Andrew has worked with the Council's pre-school team to develop and deliver rugby to 3 and 4 year olds. Now all Clackmannanshire nursery children get a very early introduction to rugby using soft mini rugby balls.
He designed and delivered a programme of rugby for primary school children with autism and aspergers who now play in the mainstream Clackmannanshire festivals. He has been using rugby to work with children with behavioural problems at both primary and secondary stage.
Andrew, a former pupil of Alva Academy, has developed his strength and conditioning expertise to such a high level that he now delivers to players in the Under 15s and Under 16s pathway squads. And his work with the new Clackmannanshire Colts has seen this team grow from 30 to 90 participants.
Andrew said: "I am delighted to receive this award. I am enjoying my apprenticeship and have worked hard to get my SVQ and NVQ. I would like to thanks the SRU and Clackmannanshire Council for the opportunities they have given me."
Sports Development Manager Marjorie Macfarlane added: "Andrew is an enthusiastic, effervescent character to whom adults and children respond easily. He has grown from his experience as an SRU apprentice and he grabbed the opportunity to engage in the activities of Clackmannanshire Council. We are rightly proud of his achievement."
Andrew (left) with Ben Hanvey, the Council's Rugby Development Officer, and Martin Hogg, the Council's Sports Development Officer.