AROUND 2,000 people turned up to watch Scotland’s national rugby team train at Clydebank’s Community Sports Hub (CCSH) last week.
The team, along with the Scotland U20 players, were trying out the facilities in Whitecrook on February 13 with head coach Gregor Townsend.
Former Scotland and Glasgow Warriors Captain Al Kellock hosted the training session as part of the team’s preparation for the remaining Guinness Six Nations matches.
Player Allan Dell said: “This was my first public open training session and it was tough, but it’s good to see all the fans coming out to support us. The weather was not great, but people stayed until the end. The fans are friendly and encouraging so that helps us.”
Read more: Clydebank Community Sports Hub to host Scotland rugby team
Fans who managed to get a free ticket for the sold-out event had the opportunity to meet some of the Scotland squad after training for autographs and photos.
Laura Coia, who attended, said: “My kids had a great time and it was a great way to encourage young people into sport. It was great to see how all the guys train and witness some hard physical work.
“Inspirational for the kids and grown ups alike. Definitely made sport look fun. All the players stayed for over an hour making sure everyone got their strips, books, and balls signed despite the freezing cold weather.”
The open-training session came about after the Scottish Rugby Union attended the official opening of the CCSH in December 2018, and asked if they could hold the event at the premises.
Around £4 million was invested in the world-class sporting facilities for rugby, Gaelic football, taekwondo and a range of other sports and activities.
The hub boasts a full-size, floodlit, all-weather synthetic pitch, two redeveloped grass pitches, and renovated indoor sports and social spaces with room for clubs and community groups.
Read more: Doors officially open at the new Clydebank Community Sports Hub
Ross McCombe, chairman of CCSH and Clydebank Rugby Club said: “It’s great that fans can get up close to the players to have a chat and take selfies.
“The facilities here were around a £4m investment and were built to cater for events like this.
“Rugby coming to places like Clydebank is important because the sport is generally east based, so coming over here where it is predominantly football is important. It’s great that rugby can be part of this community, and its great publicity for the sport.
“For Clydebank Rugby Club it’s fantastic. How many clubs are fortunate enough to have their national team come and train at their home base?
“We like to think we get more awareness out of it. It’s really just about growing sport in our area. Its nice to have so many people here.”
The Scotland squad will take on France on February 23.
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