YOUTH SECTION

Matlock RUFC Mini Festival 2008 Pictures

JUNIOR DINNER 2008 PICTURES

MATLOCK RUGBY CLUB YOUTH SECTION AWARDED RFU SEAL OF APPROVAL
 

Matlock's Youth Section is the third club in Derbyshire to receive the RFU’s prestigious Community Rugby Seal of Approval award. The award has taken over a year to achieve and is in recognition of the quality of coaching that all our volunteers provide to the players and their level of commitment.

The RFU Community Rugby introduced the Active Sports Seal of Approval accreditation programme as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of rugby in the youth section of an Active Sports rugby club. Building upon current good practice, the accreditation aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach, maintain and improve on the required standard of a club committed to the Active Sports programme.

The Community Rugby Seal of Approval accreditation scheme is based upon a three-year award system in which a club will be assessed on its ability to provide a safe, effective, child-friendly club environment. A club will qualify in the first year by the completion of the assessment file and the writing of a 12-month youth section Development Plan. By implementing the first year development plan and having the second year plan approved, a club will qualify for Year II status. The same process in year three will lead to Year III status.

John Bance, Child Protection Officer for the club reiterated the RFU’s position that "The Award is indicative of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development of young rugby players" and said that it has always been the committee’s ethos for improving not only the coaching but the whole experience of Rugby for the young player. The club has over 35 coaches and a further 30 registered helpers all volunteers who are committed to providing a safe and stimulating environment for the over 240 players to play the game of rugby.

Youth Section

The Youth Section has a thriving membership of over 250 members aged between 7 yrs and 19 yrs. The section is divided into two groups, the Minis/Midis aged 6 yrs to 11 yrs (U7 to U12) and the Juniors aged between 12 yrs and 19 yrs (U13 to Colts). The Club has more than 30 volunteer coaches and many more helpers who make for a smooth running and successful Youth Section.

The Minis and Juniors are an important part of the development of the Matlock Rugby Club and the game of rugby.  As coaches of the Youth Section it is our aim to pass on some of the skills and camaraderie to the lads.  The importance of having a strong Youth Section is shown in that over half the 1st XV squad, including the captain (Jonny Bunting), are players who have played youth rugby for the Matlock Youth Section.

Have a look at our Handbook (link above) and find out more about what we do.

Come and experience the game of rugby.  Every Sunday 10.30 to 12.00 from 4th September to end of April.

Contact us at youthrugby@matlockrugby.com

14/05/08