There are lots of moments in grassroots rugby that create memories that last a lifetime. These memories are bigger than a single result, season, or any one individual. These moments remind us why community clubs exist, why volunteers give countless hours, and why young players pull on a jersey week after week with pride.

For Selkirk Rugby Football Club’s U14 squad, one of those moments has arrived.

The Selkirk U14s have been invited to represent the East of Scotland and the Scottish Borders at the United World Games in Austria. Taking place this coming June, the United World Games are an international multi-sport event that brings together youth teams from across the globe. The event covers eleven different sports with teams coming from 30 different nations. 

It is an extraordinary opportunity for a group of young players, many of whom are still in the early stages of their rugby journey, to step onto an international stage wearing Selkirk colours.

For the players, the meaning is simple and profound.

“It’s a huge honour,” said Kieran Westlake, Selkirk U14 Head Coach and Tour Organiser. “It recognises the hard work, commitment, and discipline they’ve shown throughout the season and gives them a rare chance to test themselves against teams from different countries and cultures.”

Formed in 1907 Selkirk RFC sits at the heart of the Borders, a region steeped in rugby history and identity. Generations of players have pulled on the Selkirk jersey, and the town’s relationship with the game runs deep. This invitation is a chance to showcase this talented group of young athletes, but also show off the strength of grassroots rugby in the Borders. It also highlights the massively positive role clubs play in developing young people both on and off the pitch.

“Wearing the Selkirk kit in Austria means representing our communities, families, coaches, and volunteers who support us week in, week out,” Westlake added. “It’s about pride, responsibility, and inspiring the next generation of players from the East of Scotland and the Borders to aim high and believe that opportunities like this are possible.”

An Invitation That Sparked a Dream

Unlike traditional qualification pathways, the journey to Austria began with a simple but powerful moment: an email.

The squad received an invitation from Richard De Jager of RAM Rugby, who also serves as Rugby Director for the United World Games. Based on that invitation, Selkirk’s U14 squad was confirmed and selected to represent the region at the tournament.

When the news broke, the reaction was immediate.

“When the boys found out, it was a real mix of excitement, pride, and disbelief,” said Westlake. “For many of them it will be their first opportunity to travel abroad and compete in an international tournament, which makes it even more special.”

Families shared that emotion. Parents and carers expressed pride in seeing the players rewarded for their commitment and enthusiasm.

“The response from families has been incredible,” Westlake said. “They’re delighted to see the boys rewarded for their hard work and are fully behind the squad as they prepare to represent both the club and the East of Scotland and Borders in Austria.”

More Than Just Matches

Ask the squad what they are most looking forward to, and you quickly realise this trip goes far beyond rugby.

On the pitch, the appeal is obvious. For the United World Games, the Selkirk U14s will be playing 4-6 games at the event. They’ll also enjoy learning from specialist coaches from South Africa and Europe. The trip also gives the side an opportunity to see and test themselves against players that come from different countries.  

Off the pitch, the excitement might be even greater. The tour is the quintessential rugby experience. You’re on the road, experiencing new cultures, playing rugby, and doing it with your friends. 

“Travelling abroad together, experiencing a new country and culture, and creating memories as a team is massive for them,” Westlake explained. “Some of the boys don’t even have passports yet, and for a number of them this will be their first time travelling outside of the Scottish Borders, which makes the experience even more special.”

Those experiences shape young people in lasting ways.

“We hope to bring back more than just rugby experience,” Westlake said. “The aim is to return with greater confidence, stronger bonds, and a renewed sense of pride in representing the club and the Borders. Those lessons will be passed on to younger players within the club, helping to strengthen Selkirk Rugby and inspire the next generation both on and off the pitch.”

The Financial Reality

As with most grassroots success stories, there is a practical challenge sitting underneath the excitement. Touring is not cheap. The total cost of the tour is £26,000, covering travel, accommodation, kit, and essential logistics. For a youth squad, that figure is significant. 

Rather than allowing that number to become a barrier, the Selkirk community has gone to work.

“We’ve already made a strong start towards our £26,000 target through a wide range of community led fundraising activities,” said Westlake. “These have included local events, bag-packing days, online fundraising through GoFundMe, and generous donations from local businesses, organisations, and individuals.”

Beyond direct fundraising, they’ve also received something equally powerful: encouragement.

“We’ve been hugely encouraged by the support shown online, with a number of well known sportspeople and celebrities sending video messages of encouragement,” Westlake said. “We’ve been sharing those on our social media platforms and they’ve been a real boost for the players while also helping raise awareness of what we’re trying to achieve.”

Next up on the fundraising calendar are a race night, a farmers’ market stall, a car boot sale, and other community led events.

“We’ll continue to post and share the video messages of support as they come in,” Westlake added. “They really motivate the boys and help maintain momentum around the campaign.”

Still, a gap remains. 

“And at this stage, the kind of support that would make the biggest difference is wider exposure and financial backing,” Westlake said. “We would love to secure national media coverage to help raise awareness, alongside continued support from businesses, sponsors, and community organisations. Every donation, no matter the size, helps move us closer to our goal and ensures that no player misses out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

A Boost from Rugby’s Biggest Names

The squad has received messages of support from a who’s who of Scottish Rugby greats including Greig Laidlaw, Gavin Hastings, Duhan van der Merwe, Pierre Schoeman and other well known rugby and non-rugby personalities. The messages of support have left a lasting impression.

“For the boys, many of whom have grown up watching and admiring these figures, it’s been incredibly special,” said Westlake. “It’s a huge confidence boost and a moment they will never forget. Knowing that people who have represented Scottish rugby at the highest level are taking the time to encourage them makes the opportunity feel even more real and meaningful.”

The impact goes beyond morale.

“The messages have lifted spirits, strengthened belief, and reinforced the idea that hard work and commitment can open doors to amazing opportunities,” Westlake said. “They’ve brought the team even closer together and continue to motivate the boys in both their rugby and their fundraising.”

A Call to Clubland

To local supporters, businesses, and former Selkirk players who may be considering helping, the message from the squad is heartfelt and direct.

“By donating, you’re not just helping fund a rugby tour, you’re investing in young people, in the future of Selkirk Rugby Club, and in the wider Borders rugby community,” said Westlake. “This opportunity gives the players a chance to represent their town and region on an international stage, build confidence, resilience, and teamwork, and create memories that will stay with them for life.”

“For local businesses and former Selkirk players in particular, this is a chance to give something back to a club and community that has given so much to so many,” he added. “Your support helps remove financial barriers and ensures every player can take part, regardless of background. With your help, we can make this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible and inspire the next generation to continue the proud Selkirk rugby tradition.”

These types of opportunities don’t come often. As with other fundraising efforts highlighted on Bottom of the Ruck, the message is the same for those out in Clubland. The strength in rugby is its community. There is nothing like it. I know for a fact that there are a lot of generous and loving members of that community out there. 

With thousands upon thousands of clubs across the world, we have strength in numbers. A club in need is a call to all of us in Clubland. Even the smallest donation, replicated hundreds of times, can make a massive difference. We have the ability to lift each other up without impacting any single, one club’s budget negatively. 

I challenge Clubland to step up whenever the opportunity arises. This time Selkirk RFC lights the beacon, the next time it could be your own club. Pay it forward. Even if it comes in small increments.

To donate to the Selkirk U14s tour, you can follow this link to go to their Go Fund Me which is already close to reaching its goal.