Alex Brooks only left Kirkcaldy High School in the summer but the 17-year-old has already returned to his roots to coach rugby to eager youngsters.

That's because Alex, who himself signed with Kirkcaldy Rugby Club as an 11-year-old schoolboy, has enrolled with the Scottish Rugby Union's SVQ training scheme.

The course requires Alex to attend Murrayfield on a regular basis to gain coaching certificates, he then visits schools in the local area to pass on his newly gained expertise to pupils.

Alex is enjoying his role as the youngest rugby coach in the community.
"Rugby is a great sport and that's the message I'm spreading," he told SportsPress.

"It's a sport that really gets you involved in team work, and that's one of the things that attracted me to it.

"You're always working as a team and talking to each other, particularly when setting up line-outs and scrums.

"I just love talking really!"

Alex is working alongside Fife Council's Active Schools programme in helping to set-up and administer a rugby timetable at schools across Kirkcaldy, including his own former schools.

"I was a pupil at Valley Primary and KHS so it's great to be going back there to teach rugby," he said.

"I first got introduced to the game at a taster at primary school and, when I went to high school, there was a session after school every Thursday. Now it's up to me to make sure other kids get the same opportunties."

Alex represents Kirkcaldy Rugby Club in his coaching role and wears club kit during his sessions around town in a bid to promote the Blues. He is also keen for his students enjoy themselves.

"We want more young people to take an interest in the club, but my main job is just to make rugby as fun as I can," he said.

"We make sure we set up fun games that teach people the basics of rugby at the same time.

"I'll make sure they are holding the ball properly and explain why that is important.

"It's a good change for the kids from their normal PE class."

Alex combines his SVQ with playing for the Blues under 18 side, Kirkcaldy Colts, and he has set his sights on earning a first team call-up in the near future.

He added: "Hopefully doing the SVQ and learning more about rugby will help my own game and take me closer to playing for the firsts one day."