Category: Youth Rugby News

Castlepoint Equipment Donation

The U13 squad at Bournemouth Rugby received a generous donation of new rugby equipment from Castlepoint Shopping Centre through their latest community engagement strategy. The U13s squad reached out to Castlepoint to engage with their latest community initiative. Castlepoint is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and as part of those celebrations supplied Bournemouth Rugby Club U13s equipment to support their ever growing Youth player squad.

John Willhoughby, one of the U13s coaches who sourced the community initiative with Castlepoint commented. “It was with great pleasure to receive the new kit from Castlepoint on Thursday 28th September 2023. A presentation of the new equipment was held at Bournemouth Rugby at Chapel Gate. The new equipment included tackle suits, speed training parachutes and rebound nets to help our players master their ever developing skills.” Jamie Shanks, Youth and Mini Chair also commented;

“It’s like Christmas has come early. We can’t thank Castlepoint enough for including us in this very generous community donation to enhance the rugby sporting experience at our club. The teams are really excited to have access to the new equipment and for us to form a partnership with Castlepont. As a community club we strive to engage with local businesses to assist with community sponsorship across our age grades. The benefits go so far in our club and this equipment does just that. We would all like to thank Castlepoint’s Centre Manager, David Pickett who also attended the presentation and handover adding “We are so pleased to have helped a wonderful local rugby team!”

If you are interested in playing or joining the Youth and Mini squad at Bournemouth Rugby Club on a Sunday from 9.30am please contact Gemma Buchanan at operations@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk or visit our website.

Youth & Mini September 2023

Starting with some sad news this week. It is with a heavy heart that I have to inform you of this news today. With great sadness Richard Maddrell one of our under 9s parents and father to Brodie Madrell sadly passed away on Tuesday 19th September. It has come to us all as a massive shock to our rugby family as you can imagine.

Richard was a larger than life character and always brought brightness and a big smile on those grey rugby days to our under 9s. A passionate Aussie that supported the club and coaches you will be dearly missed our friend. Our prayers are with Chantel, Brodie and the family at this time.

When one of the pride is hurting we all come together so please join us in a 1 minute clap this Saturday before the match.

It seems that training has been going on forever this month with our mini teams and from next week it’s going to be exciting to see what the Mini teams have been putting into practice as we head away for the next 3 weeks. The U9s have achieved a lot since the start of the season as they continue their journey into contact and I’m also witnessing some excellent rugby across all age groups.

There feels like a genuine buzz around the Y&M this season so far and what I’m seeing in terms of TREDs (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) is music to my ears. The Youth teams (13-16) have been hard at work in training and several fixtures. The U13 had a tri-fixture last week against Dorchester and Oaks. You can certainly see what the coaching team have been working on in terms of inclusivity, a key ingredient in our Y&M mandate. In addition we’ve seen some great results from U14, 15 and U16 all done in a competitive but fair spirit. Let’s keep the momentum up and roll onto next week.

We’ve had some challenging conditions over the last few weeks including the Armageddon the other week of 4 inches of rain. I’d like to thank BU grounds team for preparing the pitches and ensuring we stay open for training and our Sunday sessions.

There are areas we want to develop though. Girls Rugby recruitment across our age groups is low and we are driven to offer an outstanding coaching product. The Y&M team are also working on how we define girls rugby at BRFC and how we can engage with our affiliate partnership with Bath Rugby to drive this forward. More exciting news coming soon!

This year we’ve been listening to our players and one of the areas we want to ensure we deliver is the fun factor of rugby so in October we are running a Super Hero Sunday (1st) and a Halloween Rugby Zombie Apocalypse Special. Watch out for the pictures on social.

We are also looking for sponsorship this month with our cash for kids fundraising. If you would like to donate please come and see me. We are also looking for sponsors to get involved with Y&M. Our April 2024 festival is in need of a primary sponsor. Again, come and speak to me if this is something you can provide.

And finally, I’d like to thank the new Steering Group team for their commitment last month (Chris Gould, Sian Reid, Andy Taylor, Simon Hortrop, Catherine Robers, Greg Reid). Their passion and commitment mirrors the culture we are building within the Y&M squads.

Until next time… Enjoy the rugby.

Jamie Shanks

Y&M Chair

Youth Player of the Month, Dylan from U12’s

Congratulations to Dylan, a valued member of our club’s U12 age group. As coaches, we couldn’t be prouder of the remarkable journey we’ve witnessed Dylan embark upon since the U6 age group. Over time, he has blossomed into a young rugby player who thrives on the competitive spirit of contact rugby.
Dylan’s evolution into one of the standout players within our group has been truly impressive. Making the decision to honor him with this award was no easy task, given the abundance of talent in our team. Dylan is not only a skilled player but also a polite and popular presence among his peers. He often assumes the role of the defensive enforcer, fearlessly taking on opponents who are far bigger in stature, showcasing a level of technical prowess that belies his young age.
What sets Dylan apart is not only his prowess on the field but also his infectious enthusiasm. He approaches every game with confidence and wholeheartedly immerses himself in the action.
Dylan’s exceptional contributions have earned him several of the age group’s seasonal awards, a testament to his indispensable role in helping the team achieve its goals.
Recently, we had the pleasure of witnessing Dylan provide valuable feedback to the coaching group on his personal goals for the season. This aligns perfectly with our Youth & Minis Empowering Youth Voices initiative, which seeks to develop the whole player, not just their playing abilities. With his dedication and determination, there’s no doubt that Dylan will surpass his goals and continue to excel.
Keep up the fantastic work, Dylan! Your dedication and passion are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to watching you achieve even greater things in the future.

Driving Forward Rugby Forward in 2023/24

Bournemouth Rugby is brimming with excitement and anticipation for the 2023/24 season. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements we have made in our youth and mini programmes, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Greg Pike as the Youth and Mini Chair. We embrace the future as a club and I’m thrilled to announce some significant structural changes and appointments. These changes will ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional rugby experience while prioritising the safety, welfare, and development of our young players within our community. First and foremost, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Greg Pike for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment during his tenure as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s hard work and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the consistency and continual management of our youth rugby programmes. Greg will continue to be an invaluable member of our Executive Committee, serving as Co-Vice Chair and assuming the new role of Director of Youth Rugby. Driving forward… This is probably the worst kept secret in the club over the summer so I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and more importantly to clarify a few things and set a thought with you for the this season…. After the season ended I was voted in to Chair of the Youth and Mini teams at Bournemouth Rugby. This is a tremendous honour for me. We have a huge amount of talented and dedicated people within the club and to be asked to represent this role within the club is indeed something I’m extremely proud of. I have pride in our club, what we achieve as volunteers and how we come together to embrace one of the best sports in the world. We have a huge opportunity at our Bournemouth Rugby in creating a lasting impact and legacy with the lives of young players. Our agenda is to continue the support for the sport, dedication to fostering growth and development, and a commitment to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all participants, coaches, players, parents and carers. It’s time to build on our values. Greg Pike has been the backbone for the Youth and Mini’s section for the last 9 years. I’d like to personally thank Greg for his hard work over the years for his tireless commitment. I’ve personally been involved with Bournemouth Rugby for number of years and supported the club at first team level in terms of sponsorship before Covid hit. Youth and mini rugby plays a crucial role in shaping young individuals both on and off the field and feeds those teams in the future. Having two young girls myself (both players) it’s even more evident these days youngsters need to find purpose and something they are passionate about. A place that creates happiness. In addition to my new role I also coach the under 9s alongside a dedicated and passionate team of coaches (you’ve probably heard us roar on a Sunday!). Rugby instils life values such as teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, while also promoting physical fitness. confidence and mental resilience. What’s not to love about it. By taking on the role of Y&M Chair we have the opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformative journey for countless young players and provide the support of a high quality coaching eco-system the club provides. Something I’m very serious about, especially in terms of girls rugby and a desire to elevate this opportunity. One of the primary responsibilities as Chair is to create an environment that encourages participation and inclusivity. Our aim along with a new steering group we have formed will involve developing programmes with the age groups that cater to players of all skill levels. We want to ensure every young person has the opportunity to engage with rugby and experience the joy of the sport and the benefits of our rugby family which we will continually promote. By promoting diversity and actively working to eliminate barriers to entry, we can help shape a rugby community here at Bournemouth Rugby that is welcoming and accessible to all that everyone wants to be part of. My objective is to collaborate with all our coaches, managers, parents and other stakeholders to establish a strong support network for the youth and mini players. Build upon our achievement we are all proud of and take our Y&M section to the next level we are all proud of as a club. Our aim is to provide a safe environment, building strong relationships with local schools, sports clubs and the community. Our vision is to build a first class Y&M section that becomes the stepping stone for future opportunity. It’s a long term strategy you are part of so join us on this journey. Above all, we want to create a sense of belonging and camaraderie among participants within our youth and mini squad. Have fun, create friendships and be the catalyst for amazing memories. The new season started at the weekend and it was a weekend of amazing energy at the club. I was delighted to personally meet so many of you at the gates and look forward to meeting you all in person and welcoming you to an exciting season at the club. So here is my final thought… Bring those earplugs.. Let’s stop purring, let’s make our pride Roar!

Message from the chairman about Match official abuse

Another season is about to start and as a club we will be taking a hard approach to ANY RED CARDS given this season to players, coaches or spectators found guilty of Match official abuse.

This will be across the club at all levels.

Bournemouth Rugby will not tolerate such ill discipline as it falls far from our club and sport values.

Anyone found guilty will be expected to attend the club disciplinary hearing and will also be expected to pay the sanctioned fine that comes with this charge.

I feel it is unfair on all other club members that we should spend their club funds for your actions.

Please take this as a final warning regarding this matter.

Regards

Simon.

Annual General Meeting – 2023

1900hrs - WEDNESDAY 23rd AUGUST 2023 VENUE - CHAPELGATE

Thank you if you have already replied that you are attending. The meeting will be open to all members. Please register to attend via the link https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA, or by emailing Becky Hill Directly secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk your membership will be verified and further details and papers will be sent out to you in due course.

The Agenda, Proxy Form and Election of Officers Nomination Form are attached. If you can’t attend in person but would like to nominate a Proxy, please return the Proxy Form to Becky Hill, at secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk Likewise, if you’d like to nominate anyone for any of the Officer positions please return to Becky, by Monday 16th August.

Minutes of last AGM, Accounts, Finance Report, Chairman’s Report and Proxy forms will be sent in advance.

We hope you can join us.

Register in advance for this meeting: https://forms.office.com/e/eREtQn6eiA

We would welcome questions in advance even if you are unable to attend the AGM. If you have any questions please send these to Becky Hill secretary@bournemouth-rugby.co.uk

click to Download your forms

AGM Proxy Form 2023

AGM Election of Officers and Nomination 2023

2023/24 Youth & Mini Leadership Team

As we the new season approaches, Bournemouth Rugby Club is brimming with excitement and anticipation. We are incredibly proud of the progress and achievements we have made in our youth and mini programs, thanks to the exceptional leadership of Greg Pike as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s unwavering commitment and passion have been the driving force behind our success. However, as we embrace the future, we are thrilled to announce some significant changes and appointments. These changes will ensure that we continue to provide an exceptional rugby experience while prioritising the safety, welfare, and development of our young players. 

First and foremost, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Greg Pike for his outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment during his tenure as the Youth and Mini Chair. Greg’s hard work and tireless efforts have significantly contributed to the growth and success of our youth rugby programs. His passion for developing young talent and his ability to foster a positive and inclusive environment for our players have been instrumental in shaping the future of our club. While stepping down from his role as Youth and Mini Chair, Greg will continue to be an invaluable member of our Executive Committee, serving as Co-Vice Chair and assuming the new role of Director of Youth Rugby. Greg will oversee the entire youth section of our club, from the Lion Cubs through to the Academy players along side our Youth and Mini Chair, Jamie Shanks. Their wealth of experience and expertise will provide invaluable guidance as we strive to create a nurturing and competitive environment for our young players.

We are delighted to introduce Jamie Shanks as the new Youth and Mini Chair of Bournemouth Rugby Club. Jamie brings experience and a deep passion for youth rugby to his new role. His dedication and leadership skills make him the ideal candidate to guide our youth and mini programs forward. Jamie’s vision for nurturing young talent and his commitment to player development will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth and success of our club.

Assuming the responsibility for the exciting world of mini rugby at Bournemouth Rugby Club is Chris Gould, who will remain as the Minis Vice Chair.  With his expertise, we are confident that our mini players will continue to develop their skills and love for the game under his guidance.

Andy Taylor will continue to take charge Fixtures for the upcoming season. Andy’s meticulous approach and organizational skills will ensure that our players have a well-planned and enjoyable fixture schedule, allowing them to showcase their abilities against other clubs and foster a spirit of fun, healthy competition and enjoyment of the game.

Sian Reid has been appointed as the TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship) Lead for Bournemouth Rugby Club. Sian’s commitment to player welfare and her understanding of the intricacies of these critical areas will play a vital role in creating a positive and supportive environment for our youth and mini players. She will work closely with the coaching staff and parents to ensure that each player’s needs are met, both on and off the field.

Simon Hortop will continue in the role of Safeguarding Lead for the club. Simon’s extensive experience and expertise in safeguarding will ensure that all players are protected, and their welfare remains our utmost priority. He will be supported by Janet McKrill and Sian Reid and Catherine Roberts, who will work closely together to implement robust safeguarding procedures.

Simon Carkeet reflects on the changes and the season ahead

“We are immensely grateful to Greg Pike for his exceptional contributions as the Youth and Mini Chair over the years. Greg’s dedication and passion for youth development have been truly inspiring, and his impact on our club cannot be overstated. Under his leadership, we have witnessed tremendous growth and success in our youth programs. On behalf of Bournemouth Rugby Club, I extend our heartfelt thanks to Greg for his tireless efforts and congratulate him on his new role as Director of Youth Rugby.

As we look ahead to the forthcoming season, we are filled with excitement and anticipation. We are dedicated to providing an exceptional rugby experience for our young players, nurturing their talent, and fostering their love for the game. Our focus remains on creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every player can thrive and reach their full potential. The forthcoming season promises exciting opportunities for growth, development, and competition, and we are committed to ensuring that our youth and mini players have a memorable and rewarding experience.

Together with our talented coaching staff, dedicated volunteers, and supportive parents, we are confident that Bournemouth Rugby Club will continue to be a place where young players can excel both on and off the field. We eagerly anticipate the season ahead and the chance to witness the progress and achievements of our academy, youth and mini sections.

Let’s come together, as a united Bournemouth Rugby Club, and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact in the lives of our players, and shape the future of our club. Bring on the forthcoming season!

BOURNEMOUTH ACADEMY LAUNCH 13th JULY 2023

Are you an ambitious rugby player who in September will be of the age for year group 11, 12 or 13? Do you want to develop in an environment where you have the opportunity to achieve your goals and be the best version of yourself?

On Thursday 13th July at 7pm we’d love you to join us at Chapel Gate for a presentation of what the season holds and how we will ensure that your development is at the forefront of everything we do. There is no commitment and we’d love to see any player who wants to test themselves.

Combining some of the best and most experienced coaches in the region, led by Academy Director Jo Burns (Level 3 Coach) the coaching team will support your development and ensure that you:

  • Enjoy yourself with existing and new team mates
  • Have the opportunity to test and improve your capability
  • Develop attributes in all facets of rugby – mental, physical, technical & tactical.

We recognise that The Academy is essential to the continued growth of our senior section. The Academy will be closely supported by senior coaches Dan Connolly (Senior Rugby Head Coach, Level 3 Coach, Bath DPP Coach, International Player) and Mike Pope (Level 3 Coach, Senior Rugby Coach, Bath PDG Coach, Bath DPP Centre Lead, Ex Professional Player). You journey through The Academy will also be overseen by dedicated pathway coordinators Dom Davies and Jeff Allum.

Not only will you receive top class coaching, focused on you, but you can also expect:

– Player centered, games focused training
– Videoed games
– Leadership development
– Analysis for team and individual improvement
– S&C training plan
– Suitable for use in GCSE & A-Level PE
– Physio support
– Opportunity to test yourself at county and regional level (in the last two seasons 14 players have played county rugby, 4 have played regional rugby)
– Season highlight reels
– Support in gaining additional coaching through DPP/PDG programmes (in the last two seasons 14 players have followed a DPP programme and 4 players have been part of Bath PDG programme)

Bournemouth Rugby Club Makes a Difference with Food Bank Donations

At Bournemouth Rugby Club, we believe in using our collective resources to support those in our local community who face food insecurity. Recently, during our Youth and Minis Presentation Night, we organised a collection for the Kinson and West Howe Food Bank. We are delighted to share that our donations were warmly received and greatly appreciated by the food bank staff. The impact of our contribution, coupled with the ongoing efforts of the food bank, is making a significant difference in the lives of those in crisis.

According to recent statistics, one in five people in the UK live in food poverty. This sobering reality has motivated us to take action and support those in need. In 2022 alone, the Kinson and West Howe Food Bank provided 1664 three-day emergency food parcels, effectively feeding 4253 individuals who found themselves in crisis. These numbers reflect the importance of such initiatives and highlight the critical role food banks play in our community.

Bournemouth Rugby Club donation to the Kinson and West Howe Food Bank, recognising the significant impact it can have on alleviating food insecurity. Our contribution will undoubtedly help in their mission to provide essential food supplies to families in our local area. By providing over 1 tonne of food to families each week, the food bank is making a tangible difference in the lives of those who rely on their support.

We firmly believe that our responsibility extends beyond a single donation. To ensure a sustained impact, Bournemouth Rugby has established a permanent collection box in our Club Shop. This allows our members, supporters, and visitors to make donations at any time, providing ongoing support to local food banks. Every time the collection box fills up, we will promptly deliver the donations to a deserving local food bank, ensuring a steady flow of aid to those who need it most.

Bournemouth Rugby Club is proud to contribute to the fight against food poverty and support those facing food insecurity in our local community. Through our recent donation to the Kinson and West Howe Food Bank and the establishment of a permanent collection box, we are taking tangible steps to address this critical issue. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in crisis. We invite all members, supporters, and visitors to join us in our efforts to combat food insecurity and create a stronger, more resilient community for everyone.

The outstanding spirit and dedication by the Under 8’s

The Bournemouth U8s end-of-season awards ceremony was a memorable event that celebrated the remarkable achievements and progress of the young players. Throughout the season, these talented players demonstrated their TRED values, making it a privilege to coach them.

The team would not be as sucessful as it is without the Coaching team, James, Dan, Dan, George, Jamie, Dean, John, and Ben (who will be leaving the team) the commitment and the fun they bring to training sessions and fixtures is amazing. Their presence and efforts, rain or shine, made a significant impact on the young players’ development. A special mention has to go to team manager Gordon, who works diligently behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of each week, from organising training locations to coordinating with visiting teams. The players wouldn’t be able to attend without the support of their parents, in bringing their children to practices and allowing the coaching staff to impart rugby knowledge and foster an enjoyable experience for all.

Players’ Player Award. This coveted accolade was determined by the votes of all the players themselves. The recipient of this award had left a lasting impression since joining the team, displaying a remarkable 86.7% attendance record. Always arriving with a beaming smile and a positive attitude, this player stood out as an exemplary team member. They consistently supported their teammates from the sideline and displayed leadership skills when organizing their fellow players during games. During training sessions, they were attentive and often the go-to person for demonstrations. Phoebe was honored with this year’s Players’ Player award, reflecting her outstanding contribution to the team.

The coaches had the difficult task of selecting the “Coaches’ Player” award. After much deliberation and collaboration, they unanimously agreed on one player who consistently exemplified a positive and infectious attitude. This player approached every session with enthusiasm and readiness. On the pitch, they inspired their teammates and served as a reliable asset when facing challenging defensive situations. During training, they exhibited a willingness to listen, learn, and execute tasks with confidence. Rafferty was the deserving recipient of the Coaches’ Player award, acknowledging their significant impact on the team’s performance.

Recognising individual growth and improvement, the next award celebrated the “Most Improved Player.” Evaluating the young lions from the start of the season to the most recent tournaments, the coaching team was impressed with the progress of every player. However, one individual stood out for taking their game to the next level, embodying the complete package. This player demonstrated exceptional skills as a ball carrier, showed mastery in tagging opponents, and above all, proved to be a true team player. Travis was ecstatically presented with the Most Improved Player award, commending their remarkable development.

To honor a player who best exemplified the values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship (TREDS), a special award was created. This player had an outstanding season, consistently embodying these values in their actions on and off the field. Throughout the season, they earned the respect of their teammates and seamlessly integrated into the squad. Arthur was honored with the TREDS award, recognising their tremendous contributions and positive influence.

The outstanding spirit and dedication displayed by each and every player in the team deserve high praise. Their unwavering commitment throughout the season has been truly remarkable. As the coaches reflect on the accomplishments of this season, they are filled with excitement and anticipation for the future. With a strong desire to support the players in their ongoing growth and development, the coaching staff eagerly looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead in the next season. The U8s, fueled by their inspiration and motivation, are ready to embrace new opportunities and continue their rugby journey with the same unwavering passion and enthusiasm that made the season so exceptional.