Frequently asked Questions What age can I start? You have to be 6 years old at the beginning of a season to play competitive rugby, but we do take younger players provided they are old enough to understand some simple rules and have the confidence to join in. If you are keen to join just come along and try, we will advise you or your parents if we think there may be a problem. But I’m a girl ! That’s great!! We are keen to encourage all children to start playing rugby. Boys and girls play in the same teams and against other mixed teams up to the age of 12.(Mini rugby) At this age (for reasons which will become apparent!!) girls and boys cannot play the sport together (Youth rugby). I’m a bit small for rugby You might think so, but there is a place for every shape and size of player in the game. After all Martin Johnson and Jason Robinson are very different shapes !! How fast you can run and your speed of thought is just as important as how big or small you are. A player who tries hard is as valuable as the most skilful. Will I be safe ? Clearly rugby is a sport and from time to time players are injured. However, the game is strictly controlled for young players with emphasis placed on ball handling and evasion skills. Contact is only allowed when a player reaches the Under 9 age group. All our coaches are RFU qualified and coaching and support staff are subject to Criminal Records Bureau checks to ensure the safest possible environment for our young players. All the kit, won’t it cost a lot ? We recognise that to kit out a young player with all the equipment, including a shirt, may cost a lot amount of money. Our club shop tries to provide much at a very reasonable price and we encourage used kit to be recycled within the club to help keep costs down. We as a club have made a conscious decision that children will not have to buy their own shirts. The younger players will receive a loan shirt which will have to be returned upon leaving the club or being outgrown. This enables us to offer Rugby without alienating children whose parents aren't as affluent as others. Match day shirts will provided to children in the older age groups.Our staff in the shop will be happy to advise as to what kit is necessary. The club does not want to see young players put off by costs and are prepared to consider assisting in cases of family hardship. When will I play ? We meet every Sunday between 10.30hrs and 12.00hrs, from 1 st September to 30 th April, except Xmas and Easter. These days are a mixture of training and competitive fixtures. For the Minis the RFU regulates these fixtures and the season is structured to focus on learning the game. The Youth season is more fixture orientated leading to league competitions. But what about my friends ? Most of our players come from surrounding school so you will probably know somebody. If you don’t know anyone we are proud of the clubs friendly atmosphere and our ability to make all new players and parents welcome. Even so, we will be very pleased if you could bring a friend!! Will I do anything else at the club? Yes, of course! Enjoying rugby is more than just playing the game. We want players to enjoy the atmosphere and social culture that part of the club. We arrange a number of social functions, including B-B-Qs, visits to Premiership Clubs, Fun Days, Xmas parties and Summer Activities. There are, of course, functions for grown ups which Mums and Dads can attend. But what about Mum or Dad ? The club has very good facilities for parents bringing players to the club on a Sunday morning. But we do encourage parents to help wherever possible. The need for support in coaching and managing the teams or assisting with social functions is critical for a thriving Junior Section. Are there forms to fill out ? Yes, you must be registered with the club and the RFU and your parents must have signed a medical consent form. Joining packs are available from the club, coaches or the website. How do I get started ? Just turn up on a Sunday morning (after checking that the your age group are at home!) and someone will be happy to help you. Alternatively telephone one of the Junior contacts or coaches, whose details are on the website.