Mini & Midi Rugby for 5 to 11 year olds......

Boys and girls aged between 5 and 11 on 1/9/2008 can join Bletchley Minis/Midis. The U-7 to U-12 sides train and play on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to midday (travelling to away matches usually involves an earlier start!)

A new initiative at Bletchley is Super 6s, the squad for children aged 5 on 1 September. Although the RFU Continuum doesn't alow players to take part in matches until they reach their 6th birthday, younger children are able to join and train with this squad (which is attached to the U7s).

The RFU Continuum for Mini/Midi Rugby is based on the principle that the rules of the game should evolve as the players get older. The introduction of different elements of the sport in this way allows players to safely develop their skills, season by season.

U-7s and U-8s play TAG Rugby, 7-a-side, non-contact version of the game. This provides an excellent introduction to the basics of passing and catching, going forward with the ball, as well as positioning for support and defence.

U-9 and U-10 age-groups, normal tackling, scrums, line-outs rucks, and mauls are introduced. The matches are 9-a-side.

U-11s play the 12-a-side game (full back line, half-backs and front five, no flankers/no.8; U12s have a No8), and they are allowed to kick the ball from the hand.

The majority of matches played during the season are friendly fixtures against local clubs, but the Minis/Midis do participate in one-day rugby festivals/tournaments.
 

Our Coaches

Bletchley require Coaches to hold the RFU qualifications that are appropriate for their position. Involvement with constituent bodies is encouraged, and Bletchley have historically provided a number of the Buckinghamshire and East Midlands/Northampton Alliance squad coaches.

Safety First

As Rugby is a contact sport, the players' safety is of paramount concern. RFU-recognised First Aid qualifications are held by club officials, and a physiotherapist is available. All registered playing members are covered by the RFU Insurance Scheme (although separate, individual insurance is also recommended). For the Minis and Juniors, coaches are CRB, and the club has a Child Protection Officer whose role is to ensure that RFU, MK Council, and Club guidelines are followed.

 

Playing Kit

As part of the membership package, the Club provides:

• A playing shirt (handed out to the team and returned on match days)

Players/parents/guardians provide:

• Boots (with aluminium rugby, or rubber moulded studs)
• Training trousers/playing shorts
• Training Top (club tops are available for purchase)
• Playing socks
• Mouthguard/gum shield (RFU recommendation)

Additional protective clothing (e.g. a scrum cap) is not required for Junior, but if purchased then parents should ensure that it carries the IRB (International Rugby Board) label.

Watches/jewellery cannot be worn while playing/training.

Mini/Midi Membership

The combined membership and subscription fee for 2008/09 is £50. This covers the basic RFU personal liability insurance cover and food for home matches. Membership form available here (Adobe Acrobat - free download).