Inspiring the next Generation at Boroughmuir

In April, Boroughmuir was delighted that Ellen, Will and Harry all made it into their respective Scotland Under18 teams. Now they’re all back from the competitions, I caught up with all of them to chat to them about their experience to help inspire the next generation of Boroughmuir players.

Andy - How did Boroughmuir support your development and help you reach this level?

Ellen - I started playing rugby 4 years and started at Boroughmuir, and from the outset, Boroughmuir have put so much effort into my rugby career. Between the S&C, life skills and support they have continued to support me. Boroughmuir is the reason I love the game as much as I do.

Harry - Playing for the Boroughmuir seniors throughout the season really help prepare me for the physicality of U18 national rugby. The coaches were great in the advice and especially the support they gave throughout the season.

Will - I joined Boroughmuir in s1 / u13 and from then I've had a great bunch of coaches looking after me and my pals.  Sessions have always been fun and varied but also with a focus on quality when needed, and there's almost always everyone's least favourite - the fitness blast!  I also started going to the gym through the PDP programme at the start of my U15 season which really helped me develop confidence through strength and power as well as resilience and recovery from injury.  The chat in the gym is always good fun too. 

Wider than the rugby the organisation and dedication from so many volunteers has been really brilliant because it means the players and coaches can get on with playing and coaching.  Off pitch we've had group and individual sessions on mindset, nutrition and life skills (finance) along the way.  I've also been on tour to Romania at U16 which was an amazing experience and really developed close bonds within the squad.  I feel like I've learned so much about being a better person as well as a rugby player at Muir. 

Andy – Thanks all that’s great – what was it like representing Scotland at the U18 level? Any standout moments?

Harry - I felt a real responsibility not just to play for Scotland but to Captain the team against Spain which was a standout moment especially when the national anthem played before the start. I know from speaking with Ellen and Will that they also found putting on the shirt and singing the national anthem stood out. It means so much to us all to have the honour to represent our country. The whole experience was brilliant and a real inspiration for us all.

Ellen and Will – Agreed!

Andy - What lessons have you learned from this experience that will shape your future in rugby?

Will - Physicality is the key to progressing to the top level. 

Ellen - To have the confidence to push myself.  

Harry - The experience taught me how setbacks like injuries are only temporary and there will always be good days and bad but to always to keep a positive attitude and keep putting the work in pays off. I also learnt how team spirit is so important in encouraging each other to give their best for the team and not just themselves.

What are your next steps—do you have any specific goals for your rugby career and how can Boroughmuir help you get there?

Ellen - I want to continue playing at a national level and eventually make senior national team in the future. Boroughmuir has been the dream club to be at with the level of support and for them to continue to push me in my rugby goals.

Will - I'm just starting the Edinburgh U19 summer programme this week which is pitch and gym.  We're not sure what's happening with next stages in the academy so are waiting to find out.  I've been doing a bit of coaching in our catchment schools to support Alex, and I'm still playing this season for U18 at XVs and VIIs with Melrose and Marr tournaments to come and the Bears Academy U23 match v The Freejacks from the US this Saturday at 3 - come along and watch!  My ultimate goal is to play at as high a level as I can, and to do that I'll put in all the effort possible on and off pitch.  If any of the younger players in the club want to chat about this at any point they can grab me when they see me around the club.

Harry - My goal is to continue to improve and one day play for the senior Scotland team. Right now I'm not sure what exactly my next steps are but hopefully over the summer things will become clearer but I'm ready to accept the opportunities and challenges that the future might bring.

Andy  -  All of you, thank you so much for these insights, it’s really great to hear the support the club gave you has helped you to get where you are. It’s also awesome to hear how putting on the national shirt is such a standout moment for you all – here’s hoping many more folk to come through the Academy and follow your footsteps. On behalf of everyone at the club I’d like wish you a successful future, and that we’ll all be following your next steps with interest!