Ayr Rugby is delighted to announce a partnership with National Rail contractor, QTS Group. Ayr Academy will host the ambitious project as part of a tie up between Ayr Rugby Club and the QTS Group. The deal will see the launch of the QTS School of Rugby at Ayr Academy, a comprehensive school in the area, which QTS Group will fund for one year.

Young people aged 12-15 at the school will have the opportunity to join three contact sessions per week, which will comprise of a wide-ranging support network that includes strength and conditioning, nutritional support and workshops to aid individuals’ personal development, alongside rugby skills and training.

Alan McLeish, managing director at QTS Group with students from Ayr Academy and Modern Apprentice Jamie Mclauchlan

Stuart Fenwick, Director of Rugby at Ayr Rugby Club, said:

“We’re thrilled to launch the QTS School of Rugby, which will give so many young people across the area the chance to learn new skills and benefit from coaching, mentoring and valuable life experiences such as watching live rugby games.

Rugby isn’t just a sport but a culture; the values and discipline that can be instilled in young people through playing the game is unparalleled. It is a key tool for engaging young people, leading to improved attitude, confidence and mental and social agility, as well as community safety.

We’re so grateful for the financial support from QTS, which gives us the opportunity to build on our impact of working with young people across Ayrshire. We can’t wait to see what the year brings.”

Alan McLeish, managing director at QTS Group and Ayr Rugby President Stewart Kerr, with students from Ayr Academy

Alan McLeish, Managing Director at QTS Group, added:

“We’re so pleased to embark on a new partnership with a much-loved club that makes such a huge difference, not only to the professional rugby scene, but in its local community and across South Ayrshire.

At QTS Group, we are committed to investing in young people within our communities, and particularly supporting grassroots activity. Although we know that we can’t reach every young person across our region, we are hopeful that the QTS School of Rugby can change the pathway for just one or two, which will make our work and our investment worthwhile.

It has been a pleasure working with Stuart Fenwick and Glen Tippett and we look forward to building our relationship with the club over the next twelve months, and hopefully further into the future.”