Former Connacht and Harlequins prop Peter Bracken is conducting a series of rugby summer camps in various areas throughout the west.
The 32-years-old professional rugby player, who is now based in Castlebar, will hold the series of camps suitable for both girls and boys aged 11 to 19.
In addition to Bracken, who has an IRB level 2 rugby coaching qualification, a number of experienced rugby players will also assist - notably former Munster interprovincial player and Ireland international John "Paco" Fitzgerald, former Otago Highlander Super 14 utility back, Cory Brown, and Alan Quinn - the Wasps’ strength and conditioning coach in 2007 when the London club won the Heineken Cup.
The camps will run Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm each day, and are designed to give young players a taste of training as a professional player. The days are structured identically to a professional team's week - the day being divided into three separate short, sharp one-hour sessions, and will include a debriefing session and individual attention.
The rugby week will consist of all areas of play, in addition to strength and conditioning seminars, nutritional seminars, and advice and individual mentoring.
Peter Bracken, who is well known as an expert technical scrummager, says the courses are a great opportunity to give beginners of this age group a chance to try the game out, as well as giving the more experienced players new knowledge.
Venues in Galway will include Galwegians (July 5 to July 9 ) and Connemara (August 16 to 20 ). In addition the summer camps will be held in Mullingar, Ballina, Castlebar, Portlaoise, Dingle, Limerick, and Kilkee.
The cost is €100 per player for the week. Family packages are available. Register on Peter Bracken's website - the closing date is three days before the start date of each camp. Parents/players can contact Peter Bracken Telephone: 086 0566806; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.thescrumdoctor.com
