About Moderns RFC Juniors

A Brief Guide for New Parents and Children

The Juniors section at Nottingham Moderns RFC currently comprises over 100 children, ages from under 6 (school yr 1) up to under 14 (yr 9).

We meet on Sunday mornings at 10.15am at the clubhouse, then on the pitch for training or matches from 10.30 normally until around midday. Some matches are away (see link for 2011/12 Fixture list). If you're interested in finding out more or having a go, please feel free to bring your child along on a Sunday to see whether he/she may enjoy Moderns Juniors. First time is a free taster, to see what the child thinks.

Our aim is to encourage children to enjoy and learn the game as part of a team, using a combination of games, drills and match play at training. All children get the opportunity to play with their team in matches, as we do not select based on ability.

Up to the under-8 age group (school yr 3) the emphasis is on tag rugby, which is non contact and includes mini games of seven-a-side. Children are introduced to junior versions of contact rugby starting at under-9 of nine-a-side. Many children really enjoy the rough and tumble of the game, while others revel in the running and evasion that the game offers (a bit like home really!).

Parents are welcome and encouraged to stay and watch the sessions, and/or enjoy the tea and coffee, bacon and sausage sandwiches at our clubhouse. These continue to be available after training/matches, when squash is also provided free for the children. Remember also to have water available for your child during training, and to prepare them with extra clothes layers on those colder Sunday mornings! More details on what to wear can be found on the Equipment & Kit page.

Training fees for the season are £50 payable in two installments in September and January. This includes provision for the Annual Christmas Party and President's Day at no further cost.

The Moderns Juniors rugby shirt is not essential for training but is worn for all matches. Newcomers generally wait a few weeks before they decide to obtain the kit. Moderns Juniors shirts as well as shorts, socks and other items are available for purchase at the clubhouse shop, which opens at at 1015-1030 and also midday on Sundays. Second hand shirts might also be available from other parents.

Children must be registered to be eligible to play in matches. Forms for registration with Nottingham Moderns (and simultaneously with the RFU) are available in the clubhouse and/or from the Youth Registrar, Simon Avery. Completed forms together with ONE passport-size photo should be returned to Simon as soon as possible if you'd like your child to continue to play with Nottingham Moderns Juniors.

We have Coaches (RFU Level 1 trained) and Team Managers for each year group, who have all been CRB cleared. Recently the club has achieved the Seal of Approval national standard from the RFU. The Team Managers (contact details below) act as a point of contact for training arrangements, fixture information etc.