Big plans for first full Ballito Dolphins season since 2019

The Ballito Rugby Club is gearing up to go full throttle this season – the coaches and players determined to banish the term half measure from their vocabulary.

And there is good reason to believe that this is not simply your customary pre-season war talk.

All indications point to a renewed energy permeating through the camp.

Adding further impetus to the belief that the Ballito warriors might just take on and outshoot some of the first division’s big guns this year, is the fact that, according to club chairman Mark Svenningsen, the squad has a larger core than ever before.

“I really think we are primed for a fantastic season. The guys have not taken a summer holiday. Although official training starts on February 7, they have been sweating it out to sharpen their conditioning and refine skills. The camaraderie and feeling in the camp is also really good at the moment,” he said.

As part of players’ senior club membership, they have full access to Fit24 gyms with dedicated conditioning support.

“Over the last 3 months we have taken a huge step in the right direction and I expect the guys to be at the top of their game by the time the first league battle lines are drawn on April 23.”

The club is also preparing to get its junior players in top shape.

Players aged 6-11 will begin training at the Ashton International College sports fields on February 4, continuing every Friday from 5.30pm.

“Ashton has been very helpful in allowing us to use their facilities. The ability to use the floodlights makes a huge difference in terms of our training sessions,” Svenningsen said.

This year the junior teams also welcome back players from LIV Village, who receive free membership of the Ballito Dolphins as part of the club’s commitment to spread rugby to all iLembe communities.

The U7, U8 and U9 teams play 10-man half-field rugby, while the combined U10 and U11 team plays 15-man full field games with contested scrums and lineouts.

All youngsters are welcome, with membership costing R600 annually.

Junior games will kick off in the second term and are played every Sunday in a festival style format.

The Colts (U12-U18) start their pre-season training in the second term, with games in the third term.

To find out more about membership and upcoming season details for any age group, contact Svenningsen at 078 013 2991 or at chairman@ballitodolphinsrugby.co.za.

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