Mini & Juniors - come on down!
What do Martin Johnson, Jonny Wilkinson and Francois Piennar have in common? They have all won the World Cup, certainly, more importantly, they all learned their rugby at a local club.
Excellence
Every year from the first weekend in September to the last weekend in April over three hundred boys and girls aged 6-17 learn, play and enjoy rugby at Stratford Upon Avon R.F.C.’s ground on the Loxley Road just out of the town centre. With over 45 qualified coaches, 40 referees, Stratford Rugby Club is recognised as a centre of excellence for teaching the skills needed, mentally and physically, to enjoy playing Rugby and by September this year all our coaches will also be C.R.B. approved.
This year alone our under 7’s squad has nearly fifty players and well over half of our 17 year old players started at the age of 6. The successful first team has had many major contributions from ex-mini and junior players indeed, the captain started at mini and junior level. We are always ready to welcome new players and their families. Skilled or not, you will become part of a very special sport that offers all its participants and supporters a passion that will almost certainly become lifelong.
Safe
More importantly, is rugby right for you or your children? No matter what size or shape you are if you are coached in a safe and correct way you will be able to enjoy playing rugby. Of the many new players that start each season very few give it up.
Joining the Mini and Junior club has many other opportunities to enjoy, not just the social life, chances to become qualified coaches, referees and first aiders are all sponsored by the club. Do not be put off if you know nothing of rugby, its laws, tactics and history, many of our best current coaches and referees only came along to support their children and now enjoy the challenge that coaching brings.
Challenges
However, if the idea of coaching does not appeal then we will always find roles for willing volunteers, there are always a lot of challenges to enjoy, whether preparing for the annual bonfire, organising tours and tournaments, the list is endless.
Enjoying
Most importantly though, the greatest pleasure will come from seeing hundreds of children learning and enjoying a sport which teaches them about being part of a team, playing by the rules and respecting the opposition. During the season come down and see us any Sunday morning just after ten and enjoy the fun, perhaps even stay for a drink afterwards. You will be warmly welcomed.
Mike Dargan
Mini & Junior Chairman 2007-08
|