The Ballito Dolphins junior club got off to a flying start with their open day held on Friday, February 20 at the Salt Rock Country Club.
Enough kids arrived for two training sessions to be held, sub-divided into age groups.
Club chairman, Kevin Murphy said in a short opening address that the Ballito Dolphins rugby club’s aim is to grow a strong club that can feed through to provincial level. He said for that to happen it is essential to have a strong junior feed.
“If we do not have juniors coming through, we have no seniors,” he said.
Murphy said there will be seven junior teams ranging from U6 up to U18 and three senior teams including an U20, second and first team. He went on to say they expect to start using the new field at Sugar Rush in two months time.
Some exciting news was announced in that five teenage models will act as brand ambassadors to the Ballito Dolphins rugby club. Simply Models’ Paul and Karen Landman are excited for their modeling agency’s girls to bring a funky and attractive-to-the-young-crowd element to the club, similar to the Sharkettes.
“The five brand ambassadors will be the face of the Dolphins rugby club and promote the social aspect of the club,” said Karen.
Before sending the young aspiring rugby stars onto the field, junior club chairman, Mark Svenningsen assured parents that the club’s coaching philosophy was underpinned by player safety.
On the field the kids could not contain their excitement and enthusiasm, giving it their all in the rugby drills as if they were playing for a place on the Sharks squad.
The coaches knew what they were doing, connecting with and encouraging players while giving advice and tips.
Off the field a great social vibe filled the air as fires were lit and parents enjoyed a few drinks while watching the youngsters and coaches sweating it out on the field.
As the sun set and shadows grew longer, people started gathering around the swimming pool and around the fires and the day ended with the camaraderie of a barbeque under the stars and children in and out of the swimming pool.
Practice for the juniors U6 to U11 groups starts this Friday, February 27 at 5pm at the Salt Rock Country Club.
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