THE Gazette and Herald's Rugby Skills Week kicks off on Monday at Chippenham Rugby Football Club Allington Field ground.

Now in its eighth year, the week provides rugby playing children, both boys and girls aged between eight and 16-years-old, in the Dorset and Wiltshire area with a week of intensive coaching in the skills necessary to play the sport of rugby.

It also helps prepares them for the fast approaching 2003/04 season.

Over the five days those fortunate to have been given a place on the course will take part in a structured timetable that has been created to include and cater for the very wide range levels of ability of all the children attending the event.

Organiser Steve Whitehead said: "The coaching staff have made sure that each child will be positioned within a programme specifically designed for their appropriate ages and ability.

"All the planned coaching sessions will cover every aspect of the game.

"Throughout the week, the sessions will also educate the children in the preparation of the game of rugby. They will be shown the value and importance of warming up, and stretching."

The children will also take part in discussion sessions which will cover the need to have a game plan, they will learn essential skills and drills and spend time discussing and working on the importance of team drills and team play.

The young players will have sessions that will emphasise and underline the importance of personal fitness and they will learn how they can take steps and measures to improve their personal fitness.

Whitehead added: "But it is not just playing skills which will be covered.

"The children will take part in sessions which will show them that commitment to their sport through supporting their team and club is a vital element of being a good rugby player."

Coaches will also show how the assistance of a good diet can help and improve players' match-day performance, but their fitness and stamina.

International rugby players will be making a visit to encourage the youngsters.

Whitehead said the growing popularity of the week meanta waiting list has had to be introduced. Chippenham RFC are offering parents the chance to be included in the mailshot for 2004 by ringing (01249) 446997.