With just under a week to go before Queen’s University start their Girls U18 Performance Camps we caught up with one of the coaches Jemma Farrell (née Jackson) to find out more about this exciting initiative.

Why did you get involved with the camps?

“I’m a past QUB Student and Player, so I wanted to give something back to Queens. I’m also very passionate about helping to develop the younger generation, encouraging them to keep playing and improve their basic skills and understanding of the game.”

What do you hope to achieve?

“I hope that all the girls leave the camp with more knowledge about the game, better skills and even more passion to keep playing rugby.”

How do you expect the players to develop?

There is so much going to be delivered during this camp that the girls should develop in all areas. We have some top coaches in taking them through all things S&C & on pitch skills.

For me it’s just getting better at the basics and improving game knowledge, so that when the girls go back to clubs they are sharing / showing this to other club members. Which in turn will encourage high standards of performance in clubs and encourage other girls to push on.

Are you looking forward to working with your close friend Claire Small (née McLaughlin) ?

I am very excited to be coaching alongside Claire. We have played so much rugby beside each other, but this would be one of the first times coaching together. Claire has a wealth of experience from all her years playing for Ulster and Ireland. Also Claire’s work ethic will be very inspiring to the girls at the camp!

Hopefully both of us can share our experience with the girls and inspire them to push on through the rugby pathway here in Ulster and Ireland.

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