Maidstone Rugby

Under 11’s Rugby Newsletter 2005/2006

 Issue 2

A mid season issue of the Newsletter to keep both parents/guardians and boys updated with progress so far. We hope you have all had an enjoyable Christmas and New Year and that the stress of the schools 11+ for those that sat it, was not too bad. Back to the serious, yet hopefully fun, business of rugby.  

Results to date

So far it has not been the most prolific season for victories albeit that the boys have played some good rugby against some tough opposition. The boys should be proud of what they have achieved, and also for the spirit that they have played the game. They all deserve a “pat on the back”.

Well done lads!! Keep going the wins will come!

So far the stats are as follows:

Played             14

Won                3

Drawn             4

Lost                 7

Man of the Match award has been awarded so far to Oakley, Mills, Parrot, Jeffery, Eastwood and Bower and on one occasion to the whole pack.

We were also awarded a trophy for competing in the Maidstone 125 festival. See Photo. This trophy is doing the rounds so that everyone has a chance to take home for a week.

Coaching Staff

Hopefully you will all well now the coaches you have contributed to the team so far this year. All coaches now hold their RFU Level 1 certificate to train rugby and Simon is well on his way to achieving his Level 2 certificate.

Similarly you will all no doubt know and recognise both Jill and Trudie who continue to do a sterling job of admin for the team. Please ensure that you respond promptly to emails regarding availability as it makes everyone’s life easier if we know when boys are available for both training and matches.

Training

Training has continued unfortunately at Mote Park rather than at the club, despite requests from the coaching staff to the club. Please ensure that boys are brought to training for a 10.00 am prompt start. At this time we do important warm up routines/ games to get everybody up to speed and muscles working properly etc. Late comers miss out potentially and could suffer injury as a consequence. Please ensure that players are ready to commence training at 10.00am

Once again we would ask that parents attend training sessions to offer support and encouragement to the players and provide low key assistance to the coaching staff. Details regarding forth coming events/games etc will be passed on at this time also

Team selection

This has been a difficult task to complete this year by the coaching staff and form decisions that are not made lightly. The coaches have tried where possible to play a side that is able to compete and play both well and safely. The abilities of individuals are of course taken into consideration when picking a side, and the coaching staff have always tried to explain their actions with regard to team selection.

Hopefully the squad as a whole will benefit and those boys not regularly picked will continue their commitment and enthusiasm to the squad and team, both during training and matches. Their continued improvement and knowledge of the game will result in team selection on a more ready basis. If you have any queries or concerns in this matter please do not hesitate to speak to Simon as Head Coach.

Subscriptions and Membership

Hopefully by now you have all paid your Maidstone Rugby Membership Fee to the Club, if not please ensure you do this without further delay.

As suggested at the start of the season it is intended that we ask for additional voluntary subscriptions to be paid to the U 11’s Secretary (Jill Parrott or Trudie Mills). These will be a voluntary contribution of £10 per player, per term. I.e. £30 for the season. These monies will be put towards funding of such items as –

Man of the Match Trophy, Awards and Trophies for end of season. New Year and end of season parties/gifts.

Tour funds to assist in payment of admissions fees, travel expenses, non rugby activities etc.

Support and Assistance required

We would also highlight that without the ongoing support of parents, the functioning of the U 11’s team and club as a whole would suffer detrimentally. Therefore we would ask that parents take as much an active role as possible to assist the coaching staff. We would welcome support particularly in the following areas –

1)      Match Day Reporting. Calling all budding journalists. If anyone would be prepared to compile a Match Day Report by the evening of the match days for inclusion on the website please speak to one of the coaches. This forms an important morale boost for the side, even if we do not win; there are always plus points to come away with or humorous touchline incidents. We have completed some reports for these which you can all see on the maidstone website,

      http://www.maidstonerugby.org.uk/MSRugby20052006/fixtures_results5.htm

      They are not difficult to write up and rather than getting a coaches eye of things it would be good to see a supporters view occasionally. Please help.

2)      Kitchen and Car Parking Duties at home games. Whilst we contributed to the 125 festival, (a big thank you to all those who helped out, the day was a success for the club even though we didn’t win!) we will be expected later on in the season to help again. Details will follow. Parents will be expected to contribute. The more of us to help the easier it becomes and you will be surprised how little effort is required.

3)      Coaching. If you too would like to assist with the coaching please speak in the first instance to Simon. All support is gratefully received.

And finally;

New Year Outing.

Whilst Christmas has passed us by and the recent 11+ exams have been looming a decision was made to defer a team outing until the New Year. A trip to Planet Laser in Canterbury, or something similar has been suggested, although alternative suggestions are welcome.

Wasps Training Day.

Thank you to all those who have signed up for the Wasps training day on the 26th March 2006. This will be of invaluable experience to all not just the boys and a good opportunity to watch a premiership game of Wasps vs Leeds Tykes. If you are still interested in signing up and have not yet please speak to Kevin or Trudie Mills, cost per boy is £20 and supporter £19 adult /£10 child. It would be good if we could all travel up together and enquiries are being made regarding hire of a coach. Details and likely costs to follow.

May Tour 2006.

After the enjoyable Nottingham Tour of 2005 we intend to tour the U11’s this year. Whilst we have missed out on the opportunity to go to Nottingham this year we are in contact with Robin and Colleen (former Maidstone coach) to arrange a trip to Wales to play Kieran’s side and some other welsh opposition.  Dates are yet to be confirmed, but is around May 2006. More details to follow.

We trust that this continues to be informative and useful and many thanks to the boys for turning out and playing rugby in a good and determined spirit.

Many thanks

Simon Summersett  / Kevin Mills / Adrian Clarke / Paul Jeffery

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