A group of young Mountains rugby players were among the 260 youth athletes who took part in the 17th annual National Rugby Camp in Armidale.
The three-day camp started on Sunday. Girls and boys gathered to learn new skills, under the watchful eye of some of the game’s professionals.
The participants go through the basics of the game including passing, alignment and positional play.
Organiser Paul Schmude said although they learnt on-field techniques, there was a heavy emphasis on off-field relationships.
"Sport, you get friends for life, so we don't just instill them about playing rugby, also mateship, respect for the game, respect for themselves, respect for your players and coaching staff because the coaches give up their time to do this in their holidays and that is what they need to understand,” he said.