U12s
Coming back to rugby at the start of this season, on the high of the previous seasons trip to Twickenham after the Land-rover cup win was greatly anticipated. The coaches were airing on the side of caution as how many players would come back as a lot of them play different sports.
Our team numbers dropped , but were brought back up with players coming from Marple; Cohen, Louis, and Gerry. Also joining the team this year Harry, Seth and Nick. All these players were welcomed by all the players and the coaches and fitted in straight away. Training continues from last season on Wednesday evening and Sundays Mornings. We were fortunate that the weather did not have a detrimental effect on training over the winter, so not many training days cancelled.
2 of our coaches left at the beginning of the season so Colin and Paul were joined by myself ‘Trig’ and Carlie O Hara who does a amazing job with team organisation. It was great that all the young players and parents turned up week in week out whatever the weather with no complaints, especially when training went over the finishing time. Unfortunately, one of our new promising new players Nick had an accident outside of rugby which meant he has not been able to play for the rest of the season. We all wish him well and hope he returns back soon.
Through the season the players have matured and been there for one another and are a privilege for all of us to coach We played many games and joined forces sometimes with other teams like Littleborough against Manchester in holiday periods where player numbers dropped off. By the end of the season, we played in the Landrover cup and the coaches and the parents were very proud of the players performance.
The team presentation was a great day for all with Joe winning player’s player and Quinn winning coaches player of the year awards. Seasons over but just one event left as some of the team player parents, coaches climb mount Snowdon for the Papyrus.
We all hope to see everyone back for next season.
U11's
This season the U11s have really grown in stature has a team both on and off the pitch with trips to watch sale, we even got to play on the pitch and take part in the guard of honour. We ended our season with our presentation at Total Ninja. Once again we attended the Huddersfield Festival and played some really strong teams they played really well and all the coaches were impressed with their development, we were also invited to the Defender Cup at Manchester where we played 3 very strong ‘A’ teams in the group stages but that didn’t dishearten them and the team finished the festival with 2 wins.
The team have loved playing against new teams and old rivals alike. This season has seen two additions to the coaching team Liam and Graham (smudge).
The team have worked hard this season to play a more attacking rugby style by getting them to move the ball away from the breakdown and find space. In defence they have shown great aggression and determination in the tackle and rucks. Next season the boys will begin to play 12 a side and will start learn their roles in the team.
The season has finished on a bitter sweet note by having to say bye to our 3 amazing girls who are now creating their own team for next season by recruiting their friends. Keep up the hard work, watch this space for news about their progress as a newly formed team.
Under 10's
The under 10s had a fantastic seasons and grew the squad to 20 players. The team spirit and support within the group (both players and parents) shone through all year and was rounded off with a great end of season party at the club.
Alekos was the players’ player of the year but the award could easily have gone to half the team.
Under 9's
The Under 9s have had a great 22/23 season, which included several rugby festivals where the teams got better and better throughout the day. Kirby-Lonsdale rugby festival was a highlight where we had a full weekend of camping and rugby. The kids have made great friendships and learnt rugby skills along the way.
This year was the first year of tackling for the under 9s and they didn’t disappoint with the tower of power and ring of steel. We look forward to next year with a great set of children and parents. Next year we learn the ruck and will work on positional play which we started at the end of this year training.
Under 7s (Super 7s)
The Under 7s have gone from strength to strength with an unprecedented increase in members this season. With the team now exceeding 20 members, Sean and Luke take forward an enthusiastic team of individual personalities, who bring with them committed parents and guardians.
Since our last blog, each session continues to promote inclusivity, ensuring all children are able to join in and have lots of fun. Out of all the teams, the Under 7s still remain the loudest, filling the home sessions with laughter and cheers.
This season the Under 7s have focused on their passing, communication, finding space, and catching skills. These skills have come on leaps and bounds; the group play as a team, have created the strongest bonds, and a passion like no other for the game.
Going forward, the 'Super 7s' will form the 'Mighty 8s', making themselves, their team mates, and their club proud.
Under 6's
What a season for the under 6s, we mainly spent our Sundays having fun while throwing a rugby ball around. We play stuck in the mud, follow my leader, zombie chase and bulldog to name a few using them to learn the fundamentals of rugby and instilling the TREDS value into the children.
By the end of the season the children rugby skills had come on massively, with all the kids finding space with ease, running with the ball in two hands, passing from the hip and getting there hands up ready for a catch but more importantly they were learning how to be good teammates, that you can't always score and that being a defenders or supporting a teammate is just as much fun as running with the ball.
If you missed this season do not worry, there will be more fun next year led by coach Stan and his team. Under 6s is for all children in reception and year 1.
Tots
The tots had a great season this year - lots of new faces joined us.
We had fun with tackle bags, obstacle courses, throwing and kicking.
As coaches we will be sad to see the children, who are moving up go but we know they will thrive in the U6 group, and we're looking forward to having new children in the group.
Laura & Lucy