Message from Dave Harris - The Chairman North Bristol is a family orientated club that has a long and respected tradition at junior level, and provides an important link between schools and junior club rugby. As a RFU Seal of Approval Level II acredited club our aim is to provide a safe environment in which everyone can enjoy the game of rugby football. During the next season we shall be endeavouring to run 7 sides:- U7's to U17's together with social events for all the family. Qualified adult coaches as recommended by the RU National Coaching Foundation will manage each age group. Our objectives, besides promoting and developing rugby football, will be to help children develop physically, mentally and socially. Competition within the younger age groups is deliberately kept at an informal level so that achievement and enjoyment supersedes winning. Recognising that differences in physical maturity make some contact sports unsuitable for young children, NBRFC experienced coaching staff change the form of the game to minimise or at least control the degree of contact. The younger age groups U7 - U8 play TAG rugby, a game played between teams of seven on each side. From the U9 age group the aspect of contact is introduced and has been devised to teach the youngsters the techniques and skills of the senior game through a series of natural progressions but still retaining the enjoyment and competitive elements. Girls from the age of 5yrs. to 10yrs. inclusive are able to take part alongside the boys but from 11 onwards have to be in an all girl team. At present we are under represented by girls although we do have a mixed coaching staff. I have been involved with the game of rugby football for many years and as a sport it is recognised as developing qualities of leadership, respect, loyalty and self confidence to name but a few. I believe that there is no finer team sport and hope that you are able to enjoy it with us. I hope that you enjoy your association with our club - your club - and we look forward to seeing you at training - Dave Harris (Chairman) Volunteers coach the Teams and if you fancy helping out, Mums & Dads, don't be shy and offer your services. All members of the Training Staff are Police vetted via the Criminal Records Bureau. Membership When you first arrive at the club you should give your child two to three weeks to see if they enjoy the sessions before paying your membership subscription. You will be given a membership application form along with a RFU Young Player Registration form to fill out. Please provide 3 passport photographs of each child; one photo is embossed on their club membership card, the training team and one for RFU records. It is important that your child becomes a member as the subscription includes covering your child on the Clubs' insurance. You as a Parent get immediate Associate Membership of the Club. If you join the club part way through the season speak to either Kirstie Cogram who will let you know if your entitled to a reduction in membership fees, Kirstie can generally be found at the Club House on Sundays during Training. The club is actively involved in the community with a good school link with St. Michael's School in Stoke Gifford where the club is actively involved, working with local Beaver Lodges, Special Needs days, Bradley Stoke school tag tournament, Year5&6 tag tournament at North Bristol. The Club is also trying to forge links with other schools in the immediate locality such as Bowsland Green in Bradley Stoke. As part of North Bristol RFC the Junior Section tends to run as an autominous entity and as such you will see us in the community fund raising and providing Social Functions and End of Season Tours. The Junior Section is run by committee and as such provides a seat at the Senior Club committee meetings. We do however encourage all Parents/Carers of our members to participate on the committee as coaches can only provide exceptional coaching if they are left free of other duties enabling them to focus solely on coaching. How to get there - NBRFC is in Almondsbury and can be found by travelling to the Aztec West Roundabout and going underneath the M5. You then need to turn almost immediately left by the Police depot and travel to the end of the lane (50mtrs). Just make your way onto the pitch and introduce yourself and you will be made welcome. Why not ring a contact from your age group and give us a try!!