Saints celebrate youth development

The Park Farm club is immensely proud of the success of its youth development programme and retaining home grown talent as part of its senior squads.

This was celebrated at the end of last month when ex Saints players across all age groups enjoyed a lunch at the club followed by two exciting games featuring the men’s 1st and 2nd XV.

More than 15 of the players who featured in the games have moved up from the club’s Colts under 18 team in the last two years.

This success is echoed in the Senior Women’s team, with 14 players moving from the U18’s to the senior squad over the last few seasons.

From micros and minis to youth sections for girls and boys and senior male and female teams, the Saints pathway continues to deliver.

Men’s head coach Paddy Coupar said: “Rugby in rural communities is dependent on the retention of our own youth players stepping up into the senior squad, having a squad with so many under 20s is a great position to be in.

“Credit has to go to all our youth coaches who have worked with these young men, from day one developing their skills but also promoting a love for the game.

“It is an easy job for me to work with confident and committed players who see the value of our sport and want to be involved in our club.”

This is further echoed by current U16’s coach Neville McEwen, who previously coached the current Colts graduates. He said: “It’s great to see the current group of senior players including so many of our youth system graduates – what is really important now is that we continue that trend and further strengthen our rugby community.”

Club president Russell Marchant added: “It’s not just about rugby it’s about community, mentorship and support. These players are the future of our club and they’re already proving they belong.”

Beyond the pitch, the Saints youth programme offers vital health and wellbeing benefits for everyone involved, players, coaches and parents alike.

For many young people, the club provides a safe and supportive environment where they can build resilience, confidence and mutual respect, often finding companionship and purpose during times when it is hardest to speak up.

The success of the youth programme is the result of years of dedication from coaches, volunteers, parents and the players themselves.

With continued investment in training, facilities and support, Dumfries Saints aims to keep the pipeline strong and ensure that local talent continues to thrive.