East Kilbride Pirates Camp – 2026

8.30am Saturday 21 March – 5pm Sunday 22 March, National Sports Training Centre at Inverclyde

Our objective for this year’s camp is to sharpen fundamental skills and technique and polish execution in all three phases of the game ahead of the start of the season.

Pre-camp
It’s going to be an intensive two days. Please make sure on the days running up to camp you sleep well, eat well and hydrate well!

Timings and welcome meeting
Please see the camp schedule 2026  for full timings. Please make sure you arrive between 8.30-9am to start sharp at 9am with our welcome meeting. If you know you’ll be late, let Amanda know. We’ll be finishing at 4pm on Sunday, with exit no later than 5pm.

Location
The training camp is at sportscotland’s National Sports Training Centre at Inverclyde, Burnside Rd, Largs KA30 8RW.  The centre is designed as an elite sports training venue, and was where we held our very first Pirates residential camps in 2012-2014. The centre was then demolished, and reopened following a £14.5m investment. Visit the directions for more location information.

Transport
We’re not providing transport to the venue. The nearest train station is in Largs (reopening of Glasgow central services permitting). You can also get the ClydeFlyer bus from Central Glasgow which will stop on Largs main street. Then its either a 15-20 min walk to the centre or taxis will be available at the station. To reduce the number of cars on site and your costs, try and car share where possible. Offer lifts to your team mates if you have space.

Parking
There should be plenty of visitor parking onsite. Please don’t park on any of the roadways / verges on the campus. If you’re unsure, ask. Please note, the site’s Electric Vehicle charging points are currently out of service.

Check in and rooms
Check in details will be shared at the welcome meeting. Rooms are en suite twins, and have been designed for athletes and include extra-long beds, blackout curtains to aid sleep, radiant thermostatic temperature control, free wi-fi and floor-to-ceiling windows. Towels are provided, but toiletries and hair dryers are not.

You will be sharing with team mates unless otherwise arranged – Camp rooming list 2026.

Meals
Included are lunch and dinner on the Saturday, and breakfast and lunch on the Sunday. For breakfast, lunch and dinner you’ll be able to choose from a range of options designed for athletes, canteen style. If you have any special dietary requirements and you have not already done so, please advise Amanda asap. You can look at the sample menus to get an idea of what will be served.

Please bring any additional snacks you require. Takeaways are not allowed on site, but if you need anything extra there is an onsite cafe serving snacks, light lunches, and hot and cold drinks.

Practice surface
We will be training indoors on 3G so bring suitable footwear. The indoor pitch is approx 5 minute walk from the centre.

Keeping you healthy
We’re delighted to be joined by physiotherapist Ailie Freel for the weekend who will be available to assess and support any injuries, provide first aid, taping, massage or general advice.

Please bring…
As well as your usual full practice kit and game kit including full lowers, things you should bring include:

– Soap/shower gel/shampoo as toiletries aren’t provided
– Any additional snacks / soft drinks you want
– Notepad and pen for meetings
– Plenty of clothes – there are six practices and you may have additional morning positional stuff. The Scottish weather is also unpredicatable – and although training is indoors, you will have to walk too and fro. Plan accordingly.
– Plenty of spare socks. Consider double-socking for practice to avoid blisters
– Sliders for wearing for down time
– Chargers for any devices you bring
– Water bottle for taking to practice

Paperwork
We’ll need you to complete some team paperwork over the weekend – which includes signing player agreement forms and our player code of conduct.

Be a good guest!
There will be other guests staying at Inverclyde, so please remember you are an ambassador for our club at all times. Be especially mindful of noise when moving between buildings / pitches and refrain from using bad language if there are other guests or staff around.  This is a non-smoking facility, and please do not bring any alcohol. Please also do not leave kit lying about the dining area and do not use or drop chewing gum.

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