Mini/Youth
Our Mini/Youth section - for boys and girls aged 6 - 16 years - is one of the biggest and best amongst South Coast rugby clubs.
The Section has the RFU (Rugby Football Union) Seal of Approval for coaching, playing and facilities.
Well-established links with schools in Fareham and Gosport are maintained through regular visits by our Schools Liaison Officer.
We have a strong relationship with the London based Guinness Premiership club Harlequins. Regular trips and training events are arranged with the 'Quins every season.
Mini/Youth rugby follows the nationally agreed 'RFU Laws for Children' which aims to "further the sport and love of the game so that it is enjoyed in the right spirit, promoting self-control, teamwork and discipline" - all in a safety-conscious environment.
There are nearly 300 registered youngsters and the section has a social membership of some 400 - mainly parents who are very much involved with the running of the Club.
The Under 7s play 'non-contact' rugby until Under 9 level and by the age of 11 - 12 the game uses 80% of the rulebook.
Qualified coaches operate to a strict player/coach ratio. In addition to the usual Sunday morning sessions (10am start), top coaches such as Dick Best (ex-England manager and London Irish), and ex-England players Gareth Chillcott and Simon Hodgkinson have visited to take special classes for youngsters.
We stage our own Mini/Youth tournaments each year in November and March and have undertaken a number of tours including the Midlands, West Country, Channel Islands, Italy and France.
We also play regularly at age group tournaments in the South of England and host touring sides.
The Mini/Youth section operates a 'Child Protection Policy' - details are on the main notice board in the Clubhouse and in the Members' handbook.