Ulster Rugby Welcomes Next Generation of Talent to Affidea Stadium for Connection Days
Ulster Rugby recently welcomed players from across its schools and clubs pathway programme to Affidea Stadium for two dedicated U16 and U17 Connection Days, held as part of the summer programme for Ulster Rugby’s age-grade squads.
Held across the 6th and 7th of July, the sessions brought together more than 180 young players from clubs and schools throughout the province as part of Ulster Rugby’s ongoing commitment to developing not only better athletes, but better people.
The days were delivered by Ulster Rugby’s Rugby Development team alongside Talent Coaches and Athletic Development staff, and featured a combination of on-pitch rugby sessions, gym-based athletic development, squad photography and dedicated values and behaviour workshops.
A key focus of the programme was helping players understand the standards expected of them as representatives of their schools, clubs and province. Led by Kerry Spence and the Rugby Development team, the workshops explored the importance of respect, behaviour, teamwork and personal responsibility, reinforcing the core values shared across Ulster Rugby and the IRFU pathway.
Speaking about the initiative, Kerry Spence, Spirit of Rugby Officer at Ulster Rugby, said:
“These Connection Days are a really important opportunity for us to engage with young players beyond just rugby skills. We want every player in our pathway to understand the importance of respect, behaviour and representing themselves, their clubs, schools and Ulster Rugby in the right way both on and off the pitch.
“Creating those connections early and helping young players understand the values that underpin our game is a huge part of what we do.”
Players also took part in squad photographs wearing their school or club jerseys, helping celebrate the strong connection between grassroots rugby and the provincial game.
The Connection Days continue to play an important role in building relationships between emerging players and Ulster Rugby, while giving young athletes the opportunity to experience the professional environment at Affidea Stadium.
By investing in initiatives like these, Ulster Rugby is continuing to strengthen its pathway system while promoting positive values that extend far beyond rugby.
