The ‘Bill McLaren Foundation and Loretto School Under 10 Rugby Tournament’, sponsored by Savills, took place on Sunday, 28thSeptember at Newfield playing fields at Loretto School, and attracted a large number of teams from all over Scotland – from Perthshire, East Lothian and Edinburgh to Fife and the Scottish Borders.
One hundred and fifty youngsters, both boys and girls, took part in the event and were cheered on by many spectators. There were three competitions – the shield, the plate and the cup competition.
Bill McLaren was a Scottish rugby union commentator, teacher, journalist and one-time rugby player. Until his retirement in 2002, he was known as ‘the voice of rugby’ and was renowned throughout the sport – his enthusiasm and a memorable turn of phrase endeared him to many.
Following Bill McLaren’s death in 2010, The Bill McLaren Foundation was set up in Bill’s name, with the support of his family, to serve three purposes:
- To develop and promote the sport of rugby union and its values
- To encourage and provide sporting opportunities for young people
- To create an educative centre which will include the Bill McLaren Archive
Jonathan Hewat, Director of External Affairs at Loretto School, said: “We are thrilled to be working in partnership with the Bill McLaren Foundation. Bill believed passionately in encouraging children of all shapes and sizes to get involved in sport and to do their best for themselves, for their team and at the same time to honour the game. He believed that sport and rugby in particular was a great way of helping youngsters develop life skills.
“Sunday’s Under-10 rugby tournament was a great success and instilled respect for team mates, for the opposition and for the officials which was central to Bill’s teaching, as were discipline, sportsmanship and developing the concept of team and ethos. Fun and friendship were very much at the heart of Sunday’s tournament. We have great plans to extend next year’s tournament, making it even bigger and better!”
Prizes were presented by Linda Lawson, Foundation Trustee and Bill’s daughter.
