Frequently Asked Questions

A few questions that children may have are hopefully answered here:

Ø Am I old enough to play rugby? Children aged 6 (school year 2) can start playing mini rugby with us and we cover all age groups up to age 12 (school year 7)

Ø What happens after the age of 12? From school year 8 upwards you can play for one of our junior sides that cover ages up to 18. At present we are still building up our membership of the junior sides and as yet we only have squads at U14 and U16 level.

Ø How much will it cost? You can join the club for £20 or you can join as a family for £25. Unlike some other sports we don’t charge any other fees. See our membership page for more details.

Ø When can I come along? Youth training is held every Sunday morning from 10:30am until about 12:30pm. Please come along in good time to make sure you’re changed and ready on time. On matchdays when we play away we meet earlier but you’ll be given written details beforehand. The season usually starts on the first Sunday in September with our registration day and usually ends on the last Sunday in April with our Awards day.

Ø Do we have to pay up straight away? We prefer you to come down at 10am before training one Sunday so we can show you around the clubhouse and facilities. On your first visit you are more than welcome to just come along and watch (bring some spare kit and trainers in case you decide to join in). Then if you feel after a few more sessions that you’d really like to join us then we’ll get your parent’s/carer’s permission and we’ll ask them to complete the registration and membership forms.

Ø We’ve seen a rugby match and my Mum’s worried that it looks too rough. No need to worry because we follow a graduated programme of coaching. The youngest age groups play a completely non-contact version called tag-rugby that focuses on running and ball-handling skills only. As you grow older, more skills are introduced. All our coaches are RFU qualified and you will only start tackling and contact rugby when you are ready and have been taught how to do so safely.

Ø Do I need any special kit? Any old shirt, shorts, socks will be OK. You will also need to get a mouthguard which are available from the club or from most sportshops. Trainers are OK on hard ground at the start and end of the season but you’ll need boots when the ground gets wetter. Ask the coaches about boots since there are specific rules about allowable studs. You’ll need an old tracksuit or joggers in the cold weather. Make sure you don’t get bought expensive kit; wear out your old stuff that you don’t mind getting muddy and spoilt. See our page about kit.

Ø Do my parents have to hang around in the rain waiting for me to finish? We are happy to look after you from being dropped off until being picked up. However they are more than welcome to come along and watch you train or play in all weathers. We have some of the best clubhouse facilities in the county and they may wish to wait in the clubhouse with other parents where the bar will be open and hot food is available

Ø Can girls play rugby? Girls and boys play in mixed teams for all age groups age 12 and below, boys and girls play together in the same teams. After the age of 12, girls have to play in separate teams.

Ø I’ve got some more questions, who do I ask? You can ring the Youth Chair Person, Jackie Flynn at any time on 01702 317888 who will be able to help.