THE current unbeaten leaders of Premiership Division 1, Ayr, have been named as the Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month for September, it was announced yesterday.
As the first club to receive the award in the new season, Ayr are also the inaugural recipients of the increased prize money on offer. The SRU has pledged to match the £500 already offered by league and cup sponsor, Scottish Hydro Electric, whic
h takes the total prize money each month to £1,000.
Under new coach Kenny Murray, the Millbrae outfit have enjoyed a stunning start to the season, winning all six of their league games thus far.
The club of the month award takes into account more than just exceptional performances on the pitch, however, and Ayr have also been recognised for their extensive rugby development programme.
They employ a full time development officer in Damien Kelly, who is jointly funded by Scottish Rugby and South Ayrshire Council. With 260 youth players and a girls' team that competes in the SWRU youth cup, Kelly, a lock forward who has represented the Scotland Club International side, oversees a formidable youth set-up.
His work also goes outwith the club's ground. All eight secondary schools in the region have a Rugby Champion and take part in rugby, and Scottish Rugby's curriculum based Food Standards Agency programme takes rugby directly to over 150 P5/6 students.
Ayr's disciplinary record for September – just two yellow cards – was also considered by the nomination panel.
Stuart Deed, Scottish Hydro Electric Head of Business Partnering, was at Millbrae last weekend along with SRU President Jim Stevenson to announce Ayr's success.
Mr Deed said: "I played full-back at Ayr quite a few years ago now, so it gives me great personal pride to confirm that Ayr are the first winners of the Scottish Hydro Electric Club of the Month this season.
"What impresses me about the current set-up is the ambition and determination to perform, at the same time as offering a very warm welcome to local youth to get them hooked on a sport that can develop life-long friendships."
In addition to receiving the £1,000 prize, Ayr will also receive a commemorative certificate from Scottish Hydro Electric.
The full article contains 381 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
