Friday
8th & 15th May 2009 The Pirates 'Junior' awards night was held at
a packed clubhouse on Friday 8th May, when Wendy Nicholas, Chair of Youth Rugby,
thanked all those that do so much to support the youngsters and their ambitions.
She said "We rely on local businesses who allow coaches to
work through lunch to leave in time to coach in the evenings, and we must also
thank the groundsmen, local schools, and Penzance Leisure Centre for helping us
with venues during the very wet 6 - 8 week period around Christmas." 
| | | Wendy
also thanked the coaches and their families who give so much valuable time and
are supported by a very committed volunteer team of officers and committee, with
appreciation also expressed to the many Cornish Pirates players who support and
show a keen interest and to Rod Coward, Terry Drew, Geoff Read, Phil Westren and
all the other main club staff, whose doors are always open. During
the season the Pirates U13s celebrated winning the Cork International Festival,
were runners-up in the County Cup and won the Plate in the 7s. The
U14s were also runners-up in their County Final and won their 7s competition,
and the U15s also had a good solid year with three representing the county. |
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Wendy
With Luke Cowan-Dickie & Peter Lugg | The
U16s leave to go to Colts with their seventh county title, besides also winning
the County 7s on three occasions. 13 of their players earned county honours, four
were South West representatives, and one played for England U16s! Peter Lugg was
deservedly awarded 'Clubman of the Year' having completed an impressive 18 years
of coaching youth rugby. On Friday 15th May it was the
turn of the younger age groups to pack the clubhouse and celebrate their season.
The Pirates Youth Section is honoured to have won an RFU
President's XV Award for increasing its volunteer numbers, and the Open Evenings
that have taken place are now used as an example of best practise. Duncan Williams
was thanked for his huge contribution. RFU reps Willie
Wildash (Junior Vice President) and Carole Thelwall-Jones ( RFU volunteer co-ordinator),
travelled to Penzance to present a cheque for £500, plus a glass plaque.
Earlier in the evening they met senior and junior volunteers
at a buffet provided by club chairman Sid Thomas. | | | | 
Luke
Cowan-Dickie Presents His England Shirt | The
Youth Section were delighted that Chris Stirling was able to attend and had the
opportunity to speak to several coaches and parents. Luke
Cowan-Dickie presented his England U16s shirt which was received on the club's
behalf by his coaches, Nicky Brooks and Peter Lugg. Luke
then presented the awards, medals and certificates to all recipients present.
Sarah Wyatt provided food
after the presentations to all the children, and a huge thank was due everyone
who helped make the night a resounding success. It
is impossible to thank individually all those who support the youth teams, but
to all those that do it was worth remembering that their efforts make rugby possible
for over 230 young people from U7s to Colts level, and for that everyone is extremely
grateful. | | | Pirates
Youth Rugby is always looking for more assistance, including coaches and referees.
Funds are available for training, so if anyone feels they can help, please contact
Wendy Nicholas 07855 416 519 for further details. The section is especially
looking for help next season at U7s level (tag rugby - new intake) and at U15s
level, who have several potential county players in their squad. To provide
confirmation that support is given to train referees, seven members of the youth
section have recently completed a referees course. They are Peter Hendrickson,
Jon Paul Shrosbree and Kevin Groves, plus four members of the Pirates U16s team,
Ben Robinson, Jon Badcock, Will Banks and Jack Lugg. | | | |
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