West of Scotland FC, founded in 1865, is a historic rugby club that helped establish the Scottish Rugby Union in 1874. Today, the club faces a unique challenge in the football-dominated West of Scotland region, where rugby requires continuous effort to stay relevant and grow. Despite not being the dominant force in senior rugby that it once was, West of Scotland FC is on a mission to rebuild itself by focusing on youth development and promoting the sport from the grassroots level.
From History to Youth Development
Though the club has experienced a shift from its former glory days, when players like Sandy Carmichael and Gordon Brown were part of its forward pack, West of Scotland remains a key player in Scotland’s rugby landscape. Today, it is one of eight clubs in the National One Conference, which is integral to the future of rugby in Scotland, particularly in terms of youth development.
Under the guidance of Steven Meenagh, West of Scotland’s Development Officer, the club has a vibrant youth section that caters to players from the Wee Westies to the U18s. The club taps into its local schools, working with 12 primary schools and three secondary schools – Bearsden Academy, Douglas Academy, and Boclair Academy – to recruit and nurture talent.
Cultivating Talent in Schools
Meenagh recognizes that football is deeply entrenched in the cultural fabric of the region, which can make rugby recruitment challenging. However, the focus at West of Scotland FC is not about competing with football but rather demonstrating what rugby has to offer, emphasizing the joy of sport and camaraderie. As part of this effort, the club runs a West of Scotland Schools Cup, which saw 12 schools from Glasgow and Lanarkshire participate last year.
At the heart of West of Scotland’s youth program is a commitment to ensuring that all players have the opportunity to play. Meenagh emphasizes the importance of game-time for every child, leading to a management system that balances competitive squads with the needs of a larger pool of players. This focus on participation over winning allows West to maintain a positive and inclusive environment for its players.
Coaching and Safety at the Core
A crucial aspect of West of Scotland’s development strategy is the emphasis on coach training and safety. Meenagh has made it a priority to ensure that all coaches are well-qualified and that rugby at Burnbrae is played in a safe, supportive environment. “Safety in the game is very important,” Meenagh states, underlining the need to create the right atmosphere for young players.
The club also introduces its older youth teams to strength and conditioning programs starting from the U14s. These programs aim to develop proper techniques while encouraging players to use the gym safely. While not every player buys into the program, those who do tend to face fewer injuries and are more likely to transition to senior rugby.
Transitioning to Senior Rugby
One of the major challenges for West of Scotland FC is ensuring that youth players make the leap from the junior levels to the senior teams. Meenagh acknowledges that more work is needed in this area, with only six or seven youth players recently progressing to the senior ranks. However, he remains optimistic, citing the fact that the current senior team, which plays in National Three, is composed largely of players who came through the club’s youth system.
Ben Docherty: Continuing the Growth
The future looks promising for the club with Ben Docherty set to take over as coach of the under-18s next season. Docherty, who has been with West of Scotland for years, is already working closely with current coach Gavin McGreish to ensure a smooth transition. Docherty’s main focus will be guiding the under-18 team through upcoming competitions, including the West Cup, where the team is set to compete against Dumfries Saints, Marr, and Ardrossan.
Docherty’s philosophy revolves around participation and player development. While acknowledging that private schools often have more resources and time to dedicate to rugby, he believes that West’s under-18 team is strong enough to compete against these schools. Despite challenges like player movement—such as players leaving for private schools via scholarships—Docherty is confident in the strength and potential of the club’s youth system.
A Bright Future Ahead
West of Scotland’s focus on youth development and player participation is paying off, with several former players now advancing to higher levels, including the Warriors Academy. Ewan Collins and Rory Caldwell, both current players, have made the transition, while others, such as Kerr Yule, Pat Spence, and Matt Urwin, have gone on to have successful rugby careers.
Through its commitment to developing young talent and ensuring a positive, safe environment, West of Scotland FC is well-positioned to return to prominence in Scottish rugby, fostering the next generation of players and continuing to contribute to the growth of the sport.
