Guildford Youth Web Pages - Chairman's Welcome

Welcome to the Guildford Youth Rugby 2011-12 season.

This is an exciting time at Guildford RFC with the massive clubhouse development still in progress, as well as the re-seeded pitches. I am sure you will agree that this is a fantastic new clubhouse for all age groups; young and old. There will be additional and new changing facilities and toilets on the ground floor, an extended and remodelled tearoom along with new toilets and improvements to the bar and food areas on the first floor. In support of this development the Youth section have arranged the Run Ride and Row event to raise funds for the refurbishment and clubhouse development and will continue to support raising funds for the club. More events are arranged and will be advertised via club website and Facebook events.

We as a group are encouraging all players to raise £100 in sponsorship which with Gift Aid will raise the much needed funds to support this project. With over 200 players in the Youth section this will make a significant financial contribution to club.
GRFC Youth rugby is very much focussed on the continued development of rugby players and rugby coaches within a fun and friendly atmosphere. Key to the game is enjoyment from both a players and coach’s perspective. I am sure you will find the players and coaches very friendly and welcoming. All coaches will be attending CPD’s and RFU approved coaching courses throughout this and further seasons under the direction of the club coaching co-ordinator Mike Burden. This will benefit the players and coaches alike.

The club is pleased to offer rugby to all Youth age groups from Under 13’s through to the Colts at Under 19. We will be competing in the Surrey Sweet Charity leagues and Hampshire leagues at Colts level. Should you wish to join this thriving club please contact the relevant coach direct. Check out the Surrey leagues on http://www.surreyrugby.com/youth/

Youth players and supporters from GRFC as well as visiting clubs are reminded of the RFU codes of conduct for players and supporters.
Should you wish to contact Chairman of Youth;

Rod SHEA - please contact him via e-mail rodders17@btinternet.com.

Training

Youth squads at Under 13 to Under 16’s train on Sundays from 10am to 12noon.
Matches for U13 to U16 normally start at 11am.
Matches for U17 & U18 and Colts are normally played at 1pm.
Midweek training sessions are held for all Youth age groups.
U13 - U16 squads train on Wednesday evenings from 7pm till 8.30pm.
Please contact your respective age group coach to confirm exact schedules.

Who can Join

We are always keen to welcome new talent to join the Guildford Youth section. Local school tournaments and matches are regularly held at our grounds. Should you be one of those players who would be interested in joining please contact the relevant age group coach to find out more or alternatively just turn up on a Wednesday or Sunday session?

Girls are also very welcome to join the GRFC Youth section from ages 14 to 18 - please go to Guildford Gazelles

Introducing the Squads.....

We welcome Simon Rhodes and his squad of U13s up from the Mini section. They are a large and successful group of 70+ players who will compete over three leagues in the Surrey Sweet Chariot divisions. Rugby for all. They were the national U12 champions last season so come with a handsome pedigree and I know have been training well throughout the summer.

The U14’s have also been training well pre season and will surely make a good impression in Surrey Division 2 this season. John Goddard and his team are determined to make their mark this season both on and off the pitch.

The U15s have a new management team at the helm and would welcome any new players to strengthen their squad who competed valiantly last season. Paul Meager will be managing this squad ably assisted by Jax Davis. The coaching team of Simon and Becky will continue with John Coates and Neil Bradley supporting this close group.

The U16s narrowly missed out on promotion last season and after a well planned summer of activities will I am sure nail that promotion they deserve. Another large squad competing over two divisions ably led by Simon & Dianne Pennock with Dominic Gill. Mid week sessions will continue for this lively group.

This year’s U17s will join up with the U18s under head coach Rod Shea and also link up with the U19s over three leagues. These three age groups will form the Colts Squad for this season and compete in their respective Surrey Leagues as well as the competitive Hampshire Colts league. The emphasis will be skills and physical development through coaching and competitive rugby. The added bonus will be competing in the National Colts Cup. Last year’s U17s who won the Surrey Division 1 title will look to defend this title at U18’s.

Please check out each respective age group league fixtures on their own pages. The link to Surrey Rugby also provides an up[date on current league positions and fixture dates (always subject to slight change)

Here is to a successful season for all participants both on and off the pitch.

Yours in Rugby
Rod SHEA