The club has recently been awarded a Positive Coaching Scotland Accreditation by the Bill McLaren Foundation and Sport Scotland. The award will be presented on Saturday at the Meadows by Bosman Du Plessis of the Scottish Rugby Union and ex-Scotland scrum half Alan Lawson.

The stated aim of the award is to ’focus on the ethos of ‘respect’ and a coaching philosophy that will grow the game in quantity and quality.’

Ellon Coach Gareth Kemp said: “For the past four months the club has been working towards the Positive Coaching Scotland Accreditation. This Saturday is our final meeting and the day we obtain the accreditation.

“The award scheme was brought over to Scotland from the United States, and Sport Scotland are using rugby as the first sport as we are the most aligned already.

“It is about teaching the children and players about life skills as well as game skills, such as honesty, discipline, respect, team work, and having fun. We are the sixth club in Scotland to earn this award, and the first outside the Borders and Central Belt. We also completed this very quickly, due to being orientated in the right direction already.

“The day is also our end of season for the juniors. We will be having a Fun Day for the children while parents are upstairs in the Meadows, followed by the junior presentation and awards, and a hog roast.”

Ellon Times