SHREWSBURY TOUCH PLAYERS BECOME REFEREES

Year 10 students Alina, Momo and Pippa have taken the extraordinary step of becoming official Level 1 Touch Rugby referees, replacing the ball for a whistle - if only for a short while.

The course delivered online, followed by refereeing two live games under the supervision of qualified referees, was part of a course offered to Shrewsbury touch players who have been competing in the Bangkok Touch League

Coach of the squad, Mr Joe Emsley speaks very highly of the trio as ambassadors of a fast-growing sport at the school.

“The girls are a huge asset to the school and have already refereed numerous festivals and fixtures for the younger Touch players at Shrewsbury. In the next few months, they will be refereeing senior matches and will even be able to get paid to referee!”

Touch at Shrewsbury is now competing with more established sports in terms of student participation. Over the last few months alone, numbers have doubled since last year, with a great mix of boys and girls playing. The girls’ squad at Varsity level has even taken home some silverware, winning the Bowl final of the Bangkok Touch League in December.

“We welcome anyone to play the game and ensure every session is fun, challenging and allows everyone to get involved. We have a very positive, knowledgeable and motivated coaching team who have made sure every You-Time Touch session is worth coming to,” Mr Emsley emphasises.

It certainly seems that the future is strong for Shrewsbury to become a Bangkok powerhouse in Touch Rugby for the near future.

Shrewsbury’s student-athletes will soon have access to a brand new 340sqm strength and conditioning zone - part of a 1.1bn construction project opening later in 2021. Read more about “Project 2021”  HERE