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VIRGINIA RFC
“CLUB DEVELOPMENT AND WHAT HAS WORKED FOR US”
First and foremost we have built a culture at mini rugby level that playing
rugby is fun. It’s not just about the result, but about ensuring that all kids
who attend are given equal opportunity, even if it means losing a game.
That way, any new members who sign up,
immediately are made to feel welcome, and are
more likely to enjoy their experience and stay with
the club.
They also talk about their experience with their
friends and encourage them to come too, as do the
parents of the kids with their friends. To make the
most of this we have a very open registration policy,
basically anyone can join the mini rugby section at
any time, and we make it easy for the parents and
coaches to achieve this by providing dedicated
admin back up to make the process very smooth.
The priority of our minis section from a club point
of view is to ensure we build a large enough squad
to send at least 20 players up every season to next
year’s U14s, and we realise that if we focus solely
on the better individuals or on results we will not
achieve this.
This deals with club members, but we know we also
have to attract more players into the mini section. To
this end we work with every local primary school in
the area (13), and host a ‘Primary School Tag Blitz’
every season which attracts over 300 children, many
of whom don’t usually play rugby. We use this event
as a recruitment tool, again with the message that
playing rugby is fun!
Results this year so far in terms of registrations have
been encouraging, with over 30 kids registered
at U12 level, plus 10 girls in the U12 age group
now playing as a separate entity. This focus has
meant that our youth numbers have also recently
blossomed, with 35 plus at U14s, 35 plus at U16s,
20 plus at U15 Girls, and 20 plus at U18 girls level.
Obviously as they get to youth level the focus
changes slightly, but we continue to recruit, mainly
through word of mouth, but also by working with
all the local second level schools (4) and running a
local ‘Schools Contact Competition’ aimed at the
U13 and U15 groups, those that fall in between the
current provincial structure.
The level of registrations also allow us to run a ‘2nd
XV’ in the Qualifying Leagues. The purpose of this
is that those who don’t get regular rugby because
of their age, get the opportunity of meaningful
competition throughout the season, and are there
still the following season when the older lads have
moved up an age grade.
As a club we invest in the training of our coaches so
that all have completed the relevant IRFU course for
their age grade, ensuring young people get the best
tuition available. We currently have 22 Mini and 19
Youth accredited coaches.
Outside of the work on the pitch and in the schools,
we also try and ensure that the kids get a good
amount of extra curricular activity ranging from
Easter Egg Hunts to match trips. We also as a club
try and immerse ourselves in local community
activities such as local shows and festivals, making
sure that the club is seen as an integral part of the
town and the surrounding areas.
Conor Walker
//
Virginia RFC
CLUB PROFILE:
VIRGINIA RFC