Alresford Minis Rugby | Alresford RFC

Are you searching for a fun and friendly local rugby club for your youngster? We’re recruiting new members now!

Children’s rugby at Alresford RFC

We are a small and friendly local rugby team who are entering our xxth season. Our team was born as a result of senior players wanting to start a youth and colt team and teach young children the skills they need to play the game in a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Alresford RFC is committed to providing the Minis and Youth section with a fun, inclusive and sociable membership experience both on and off the pitch – for children and parents alike.

Everyone is welcome

Minis rugby is open to both boys and girls on an equal basis. We focus on giving everyone the opportunity to play rugby in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere, and that’s why we welcome any child, whatever their rugby experience.

Something for all ages

Teams are mixed up to U11s (from U12s we split into boys and girls rugby). We currently take children between the ages of 4 and 12 (Reception through to and including Year 7) for our main Minis/Youth section, and more recently we have started a Rugby Rascals section for pre-school children. The club is split into the below areas.

We’re affiliated with Harlequins!

Alresford RFC is proud to be an official affiliate of Harlequins! This gives our Mini’s team superb access to Harlequins community coaching, exciting opportunities to meet players and access to coaching camps during the school holidays. What’s more, Alresford RFC members get access to community price tickets and big game tickets!

Join the Alresford RFC Minis

Whether you’re looking to find a club that can provide your little one with the perfect introduction to rugby, or are seeking a club that can help your youngster progress their skills and fulfil their enjoyment of the game, Alresford RFC provides a friendly and welcoming environment where all children can learn, play and, most importantly, have fun!

Give it a go sessions!

We understand that starting something new can be scary. But here at Alresford RFC we always encourage youngsters to positively challenge themselves and try something new. That’s why we offer a 3-week no-obligation trial, whereby your youngster can join 3 taster sessions before choosing to join the team.

get in contact

Minis membership prices for 2023

Minis membership prices

Your child will need a Minis membership in order to join the team. All new members can join 3 no-obligation taster sessions.

We offer two types of membership:

Rugby Mini Membership season – single payment: £90
Rugby Mini Membership Half season – two payments: £50

New members

Find details on how to register your child to the club (or affiliate as the RFU refers to it) and also buy membership for the season here.

Membership renewals

If your child was part of the club last season they will need to be re-affiliated to the club, as part of the annual process. Find out more here.

The teams

The club runs teams based on school years, relating to a child’s age on the 1st of September and the child remains in that age group for their youth rugby career.

Under 6’s

These early years start the bonding of rugby players into their teams with the use of club rugby kit, non-specific positions on the pitch and no hierarchy within the team. Team games like sharks and fishes teach rugby players the fun and competitive aspect of the sport.

Non-contact games keep the players physically safe at a time when they are growing, but help them start to work together and above all learn to communicate with each other. Even the quietest of children eventually find their voices on the pitch within the security of their team members.

The rugby gameplay is introduced at this age group with Tag Rugby and is played all the way through to and including U8s age group. It is a fantastic opportunity for the children to play together as a team, learning the base rugby skills and having fun in semi-competitive games. All of the players wear tag belts around their waists with two velcro tags attached. The aim is to score tries as normal by passing the ball between the team, however, if the opposition manages to grab one of your tags and pull it off the belt, the player must pass the ball and then take the time to reattach the tag. The players must always have two tags attached throughout the game.

Under 7’s and under 8’s

The children continue with Tag Rugby, further developing their rugby skills with increasing numbers per side and additional structure, all in a non-contact environment.

Most excitingly at this age it is Festival time. This age group finally get to see some of the reason they turn up every Sunday morning and run around playing funny games.

Under 7’s and 8’s have an amazing time playing against other local clubs at rugby festivals, usually 3-4 per season. These festivals are about participation and not about
winning, the aim is for the children to have fun and play together against people they have never met.

There are no winners and losers in these festivals however, some festivals do like to present plates for the teams showing the best TREDS over the day and all players receive a medal to show their commitment to the team.

U9’s and upwards – Contact rugby

The next stage of development for any rugby player can be a source of anxiety. Tackling!!! This is the trickiest stage to teach, as all children develop in their own time and coaches at Alresford Rugby Club are prepared and trained to have the best interest of the players at heart.

Some children will happily cannonball into anything, some like to only tackle bags and some don’t want to tackle at all. There is no requirement for any child to take part in activities they aren’t comfortable with and every effort will be made to make them feel confident and accepted within the sessions.

All we ask is that every child is willing to listen to the coaching so they know HOW to tackle and communicate with the coaches so we can help them achieve what they want to. Within this age group, there are still no set positions on the pitch.

U10’s, U11’s, U12s and beyond

The contact rugby continues and wider aspects of the contact rugby game get introduced in a graduated manner – such as rucking, mauling, and scrums.

At each age group, these areas and wider areas of the rugby game are developed and there are increasing numbers of players that make up a side. There are still no set positions until U13s, albeit players will start to graduate and find positions
they are more comfortable with, but the intention is to give the players a rounded rugby skill set before they fully start specializing in a position.

How we teach

RFU’s Age Grade Rugby

The safety of children is paramount and therefore we follow the RFU’s Age Grade Rugby. This is a holistic format that ensures every player can enjoy rugby in a safe environment, whilst learning a range of personal and social skills that can be transferred to multiple sports. By following this format, we also ensure that young players play the right rugby at the right time in a structured season format.

You can find more details on Age Grade rugby and the rules at the different age groups here.

Rules of Play

The principle behind the Rules of Play is to provide a playing format with building blocks to the 15-a-side game that allows minis players time to get to grips with the basics of running and catching the ball before contact and specialism is gradually introduced. This positively impacts player safety.

Rugby value and club ethos

Alresford coaches and players follow the RFU values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship, TREDS.

At Alresford rugby club we are a non-discriminatory club who welcomes all ages, genders and religions. Over the past two years the RFU have been actively encouraging women and girls into all areas of rugby to improve the gender inequality within the game. Within the mini’s age groups all genders train and play together until the age of 12. At this point the game is required to split into gender groups as per the RFU, this is for the health and safety of all players. Whilst all genders can undertake ball handling skills, fitness and all non-contact drills together at any ages they are not permitted to mix when practicing tackling, rucking etc beyond the U11 age group. If you have any concerns about your child joining a specific group for any reason please do contact us and we will endeavour to answer all of your questions.

Being an Alresford RFC Minis team member is about more than just learning new skills on the pitch. It’s also about learning and understanding the core values and ethos of the game. Training sessions encourage youngsters to learn the value and importance of teamwork, respect, discipline, sportsmanship and enjoyment. Our coaches lead by example. We “show and tell”, setting expectations whilst encouraging younger players, to enjoy and celebrate what they can do rather than what they can’t.

Meet the coaches

Under 6’s

Alec Russell

I started playing minis Rugby at Winchester when I was 7 and continued playing through school.

I started playing in the back at full back, scrum half and then fly half. At 13, I realised that I was getting too slow for this and moved to Hooker until the age of 18. I think I still hold a school record for the most penalties and conversions from the tee by a forward! The biggest highlight was kicking a winning conversion as the last kick of the game!

I loved playing at school but other sports took over so unfortunately couldn’t find time for rugby after that. I now enjoy the game from watching and supporting. Living in Twickenham enabled a Quinns season ticket and a good few internationals.

Now l Iove getting youngsters into the game and enjoying coaching them and watching them learn.

Pete Rodgers

I started playing at the ripe age of 23 and fell in love with the game.

I have played flanker for Alresford, and as I got older I moved to the second row. I’m a jumper extraordinaire when paired with Rob Walls and Sam Batho to steal many line-out balls.

I Played Alresford RFC for 10 years and have been coaching for 1 year. My favourite part is seeing the kids’ progression throughout the season whilst watching their personalities shine through in game play.

Favourite club – Northampton Saints

Sam Batho – nickname Batho
I started playing at 4 years old.

I’ve played full back and outside centre during my early college days at Winchester. I finished number 8 and open side flanker during college and then as I got older, at Alresford, I moved to second row and prop.

I have played for Winchester Rugby Club for 12 years, Barton Pevril College for 2 years, Gold Coast Sharks for 2 months and Alresford RFC for 19 years.

I have been coaching for 14 years. My favourite part is being a part of a child’s progression in this brilliant game.

Quals – Level one coaching badge

Favourite team – Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby

Under 8’s

Richard Arthur – nickname Baz

Rugby experience: played a bit on the wing in school and then some touch rugby in uni.

I have been coaching for the last two seasons and my favourite part is the moment when you can see it “click” with the kids and they put what they’ve learnt into practice in a match scenario.

Favourite Team – The Ospreys

Rob Walls – nickname Wallsy

I started playing at 30 as a Prop (the most handsome and majestic of posting). I’ve played with both Alresford Rugby Club and the Battersea Barbarians and have been coaching at Alresford for 8 years. My favourite part of coaching is when the coaching suddenly clicks and the kids string a proper slick move together (plus all the crazy nonsense they chat to me about)

Quals – Rugby ready
Introduction to safeguarding
Play it safe
Emergency First Aid in Rugby
Headcase concussion awareness
Kids first contact rugby

Favourite Team – Bath, as my Uncle Jim used to play for them.

Under 10’s

Pippa TM under 10’s

I’ve never played rugby and still not got a clue about most of the rules (or are they laws?) but been TM for 4 years and have 2 boys in the club. I got involved initially as I was there at the weekend anyway and happy to help. It’s been good to get to know the other kids and their families. The club is so friendly and welcoming and it’s great to watch from the sidelines and see the kids get stuck in and enjoy themselves.

Quals- Introduction to safeguarding
Concussion awareness,
25m swimming badge,
and bake a decent cake for tournament

Paul Rees – nickname Reesie

Played since I was 4 at most positions under 8 never with the big boys but mainly scrum half.

I have been with my age group since they were under 6’s and seeing them improve but many just love playing make the Sunday mornings worthwhile

And the Club I love is simply Wales.

Quals – I have my bronze swimming badge
1997 Hide and Seek champion of East Hampshire
Introduction to Safeguarding
Headcase concussion online course

Bonnie Eade – nickname Bonbon

Started playing age 5 (rugby Tots doesn’t count). So far played Second row, Flanker, Wing, fullback, and centre

Clubs – Alresford, Basingstoke, Perins. Position playing – flanker or full back

Coaching for 1 1/2 years. I like, that even though I am still a young person, that I can help others with rugby.

Quals – not allowed to undertake RFU courses until I am 14!!!!

Favourite Teams – Harlequins women’s and the Red roses

Mike Armitage

Under 10’s lackey to Reesie

Played school rugby from 10 years old to an extremely average standard, then focused on preserving my bones. Fancy outside centre. Despite my clearly evident cool exterior, I am a total nerd.

Been coaching out u10 legends for a year. Love seeing how in the space of an hour they can learn some new things and be just brilliant by the end of the session and we have fun.

Quals – Kids first contact
Introduction to Safeguarding/DBS

Favourite clubs – Quinns, in quite a half-hearted sort of way really

Under 12’s

Will Hegan

Started playing rugby with Winchester at about 7 years old and went onto play with Churches college and Peter Symonds before playing most of my senior rugby at Rosslyn Park in London. Played mainly in the back row.

Started coaching with Alresford when my son Charlie was in under 7’s and have tracked him through to under 12’s. I have two other sons, Henry at u10’s and Arthur at u7’s. Its a lovely club at Alresford with a really family atmosphere. My favourite part is the buzz I get from coaching when we see the kids with a smile on their face, making friends and developing in their rugby skills.

Favourite Clubs – England and Wasps (until their sad demise)

Ali

I haven’t played rugby, bar a few Touch rugby sessions (they were great fun!) Have been involved with Alresford minis since 2016 and absolutely love it.

My favourite bits – its been amazing to see the group develop their skills and teamwork from when they were cute little 4 year old to the towering 11 year olds they are now and how brilliantly new players have been welcomed and settled in. All together they make a brilliant squad.

The club itself has been great — really is the friendliest. All of the parents, coaches and managers definitely make it a community, and the socials aren’t bad either!

Quals – Headcase concussion awareness session
Introduction to safeguarding training
First Aid
I am also very proud of once winning a custard eating competition.

Favourite Club – Alresford!!!!

Stuart McLay

I played rugby for club and school from u9’s at Winchester, Eastleigh and Stanmore

Sadly as other players (some of which coach at Alresford now!) got bigger, my love for the mud and nicks dwindled.

I then turned my attention to other sports and found myself to be a fairly handy runner and cyclist, so transitioned into Triathalons, Duathalons and single sport racing.

In more recent years I have competed for GB at World and European age group, with a best placing of the annoying 4th.
Whilst waiting to fully grow I’m supporting the coaching of the u12’s. With two boys playing rugby it has been great to get involved, supporting the team, and developing my own skills as a coach.

Quals – A number of RFU course on and offline to help better my skills and knowledge all to ensure that the coaching delivered to the team each week is as beneficial as possible.

All our coaches have a full DBS check as requested by the RFU, and are up to date with head concussion and child safety courses to ensure the safety of all of our players.
Our coaches also engage in regular ongoing coaching and development through both in-person and online training provided by the RFU and other coach developers.

Rupert Kellie

Started playing rugby at school at 7 years old. Played all the way through school life – as prop for a large part and then moved to the back row .Post school I played for East Medians OTC/TA whilst at uni and back at home club rugby for Cainscross RRFC (Gloucestershire). Then at Petersfield for 7 years as 2nd row and back row. Before taking up coaching at Alresford.

Been coaching at Alresford for 7 years.

I love seeing how the kids develop their rugby skills, support each another as they progress and then those brilliant “aha” moments when it suddenly all clicks and they play amazing rugby. I also love that our kids and teams are so friendly and close-knit: welcoming new members onboard and really enjoying playing for one another as a team.

Quals – England Rugby coaching award (level2 ) in progress
Kids first contact Rugby
Rugby Ready
Kids Take rugby COD
Introduction to safeguarding
Headcase concussion Awareness

Favourite clubs – Gloucester

Under 7’s

Sam Batho – nickname Batho

I started playing at 4 years old.

I have played for Winchester Rugby Club for 12 years, Barton Pevril College for 2 years, Gold Coast Sharks for 2 months and Alresford RFC for 19 years.

I have been coaching for 14 years. My favourite part is being a part of a child’s progression in this brilliant game.

Quals – Level one coaching badge

Favourite team – Northampton Saints and Bath Rugby

Phil

I started paying at 11 years old.

When I was younger I played back row but then stopped growing and ended up playing wing/fulllback as an adult so I could run away from the big boys (Rob Walls and Sam Batho)

I have played for Bishop Wordsworth’s school and Alresford RFC and have been coaching for 3 years. My favourite part is seeing kids making new friends and building team spirit.

Quals – Learning Introduction to Safeguarding
Elearning- Headcase Concussion Awareness Training
Kids First Tag Rugby

Favourite Team – London Irish until they closed, now Exeter

James Chaplin – nickname Chappers or Guns

I started playing rugby at 10 years old.

I was second row for the 1st team when I was at prep school and flanker for the 2nds at Secondary school. Played Flanker at Law school where I played for a fantastic side. We had a lot of fun playing against various institutions, and even managed to get ourselves involved in a rugby league tournament (by mistake), where miraculously we managed to win 3rd place. I’ve not played much in recent years but it’s a great game.

I have been coaching for 2 years with the under 6’s and now moved to the under 7’s. I am delighted to be able to help out at ARFC and encourage young players to appreciate the game, including my son Bash.

Quals – Introduction to safeguarding
Headcase Concussion Awareness Training

Andrew Stewart

I started playing at 10 years old, stopped until I finished university, returned to rugby with Romsey Rugby Club and made some lifelong friends along the way.

I played wing before moving to full back, a position I loved given all the space and unstructured play you could get involved in. I was never much of a kicker, I loved nothing more than running it out from deep. I’m now watching my 7-year-old take his formative steps in this great sport with a great club.

Favourite Teams – Harlequins, and my favourite player is Danny Care, as he shows that old guys like us can still do it.

Under 9’s

Andrew Robson

I played until 1982 at school and at Nottingham university as second row and number 8. I became a qualified referee in 1983 and undertook games till 2001

Started coaching at Alresford this season. Favourite part of coaching is the enthusiasm of the kids

Favourite Team – Alresford Rugby club

Simon Ashton

I played rugby at school, then very randomly at university. Played touch rugby with the RAF. I’m a weather geek with a big sense of adventure but no badges to prove it. I have been coaching for 5 weeks. I like to create a plan that enables me to maximise the training, since I’m on a learning curve too. It’s then great to see the kids learn from that experience and enjoy themselves. I love the beer afterwards in the clubhouse.

Quals – Introduction to Safeguarding
First contact training

Favourite Teams – Quinns and England

Arabella Stuart – the best coach at Alresford

I started to play at Alresford rugby club un under 10’s and continued to play until under 13’s and then left because of having to play same gender age groups. I moved to Winchester but decided contact rugby wasn’t for me.

I started to help with the under 9’s coaching all the way through to the under 12’s. This season I’ve moved to the under 9’s to help Simon. Although I don’t have much experience playing contact I have played touch rugby since I was 8 and have played on and off since then.

Favourite teams – The Mighty Harlequinns, and proud to say so!!

Vanessa or Nessie, TM for under 9’s

Been a team nannie for many many years. Never played rugby but enjoy watching England rugby

Quals – Intro to safeguarding
England Athletics run coach

Under 11’s

Abeed Janmohamed- nickname Abs

Started playing age 8 with the Nondescripts (Kenya), Harlequins (Kenya), Winchester and Alresford

Been coaching for 7 years

Quals – Kids first contact
Principles of scrummaging
ECB level 1 &2
Coach ED cricket elite – level 2,3 4
Level 4 S&C (in progress)
First Aid
Introduction to Safeguarding

Favourite Clubs – Harlequins

Ian Stuart nickname Big Fella or Grandad

Started playing rugby at age 17 for Winchester and Peter Symonds, played as Wing despite my size, I never got involved with the scrum as I was too fast but did venture in centres as a battering ram! Played for Hampshire for 3 years. Decided to break my collar bone playing for Winchester and once I was back and recovered from surgery, went to play for Alresford as I was told it was the friendliest club in Hampshire!! Realised it was so fun to do one collar bone so decided to break the other collar bone playing for Alresford. Second operation down and a stern look from my wife I moved into touch rugby and am currently awaiting trials for South West England.

Been coaching for 6 years as I’ve followed my son Ellis up the age groups and I absolutely love it!

Favourite bit of coach is seeing all the hard work come together at festivals and watching the children have fun, scoring tries, with the TREDS I hold to the maximal importance!

Qualifications – Kids First contact
Introduction to Safeguarding
Head concussion
BTR Running coaching
First Aid
Osteopathic medicine
Hours and hours of internet research over coaching!!

Favourite clubs – Harlequins, Alresford, England!

Stu Eade – nickname Rusty

Started playing age 12 with Farnham, Camberley, Alton and Alresford. Had invitations to play with the Toronto Nomads, Basingstoke and the Arcades

Coaching for 5 years. Love when the kids get what’s being asked and put it into game play.

Quals – Kids frist contact,
Principles of scrummaging
England rugby coaching level 2 (working towards)
Gymnastics award 4
GCSE PE grade C

Favourite teams – Harlequinns due to the women’s team and London Irish until they went bust

Paul M nickname Zim

Played since I was 7 for Guildford and Godalming, Farnham, Old Devonian’s, BAE systems and Old Bristolians at fullback, centre, lock and winger.

Coached BA systems and with current under 11’s for the past 5 years. Favourite part of coaching is having seen the kids grow up, learn and combine effectively as a team.

Quals – Introduction to Safeguarding,
Kids first contact

Favourite Clubs – Bristol Bears and England

Lorna Ashton – nickname Lorns/Luna

U11’s team manager, minis fixtures and social secretary

I love watching rugby and started playing some touch rugby Summer 2022, which is great fun!

I’ve been a team manger for our age group for 7 years and love seeing the children develop their rugby skills, grow in confidence and as a team. I love being part of a great rugby club.

Quals – First aid
Introduction to safe guarding
Headcase concussion awareness

Favourite Clubs – Harelquinns and England

Michelle Stuart

I have never played contact rugby but my husband got me into touch rugby about 6 years ago and since then I’ve become a bit addicted. I know play for the South West region for touch and trying to et into the England squad.

I’ve been coaching for the past 2 years and followed the team through to the current age group. I love watching the kids develop and have fun even in the wet and rain. I’ve learnt a lot since coaching including how much of a loud voice I have!!! I have also been very privileged to have been accepted onto the RFU Women’s Impact programme who work with women in the rugby community to improve their coaching, playing and refereeing abilities.

Quals – Introduction to safeguarding
Headcase Concussion Awareness course
First Aid
Level 1 running coach
Level 1 touch rugby referee
Level 1 contact 15’s rugby referee, in progress

Favourite Clubs – Harlequinns and England

Mark Stanley

I have no playing experience because I was never brave enough. I have enjoyed helping since my son started playing in under 7’s. Watching all the personalities develop and the team bond together has been a delight.

Quals – FA level 1 coaching badge
First Aid
Introduction to Safeguarding

Favourite Clubs – Harlequins and Arsenal

Alresford Mini’s Parents’ Hub

Frequently asked questions

When and what time are the training sessions for the minis?

We train on Sundays (unless at fixtures or festivals).

Arrive by 0945 ready for a 10am start for the warm up. This is an important part of the session so we do ask everyone, both players and parents, to make every effort to be on time for this. The sessions end at 1100am for U6 to U8 age groups and around 1115am for the U9s and U10s and 1130 – 1145 for the under 11’s upwards.

What does my child need to bring to a training session?

If your child is coming for taster sessions there is no need to buy any special kit to start with. Shorts or tracksuit bottoms with a top that is slightly robust are perfect. Depending on the weather more layers may be needed and most importantly a hat for the winter months. Trainers are suitable to start with however in the muddy months these won’t allow much traction and therefore expect the sports clothing to be very muddy from falling over. This is a great introduction for all parents to the wonderful muddy clothing that needs to be washed every week!

When your child decides to join the club fully, there is both the Alresford club shop and a second-hand shop for the Hornets rugby clothing so the outlay for kit isn’t too expensive. The most important item to purchase will be some good boots with studs that are comfortable and allow your young player to run as fast as they can and produce some amazing side steps. We normally have some second-hand boots available in our 2nd hand kit shop.

At times of extreme heat where the ground is very hard, it may be suggested to wear trainers, this will be communicated to you via the whatsapp / Spond chat for your age group. Depending on the age of the player a gum shield will be needed, if they do not bring this with them they will be excluded from any contact aspects of the training for their own safety. No jewellery or watches are to be worn. If there are new piercings these need to be covered with medical tape/plasters for all age groups. It is advisable that all long hair is tied back to prevent any potential entanglement.

What do I need to do on arrival?

On arrival at the pitches please ensure you register each child with the team manager for the age group they are in – there will be flags to show you where each group is located.

How do I sign my child up for sessions?

You are welcome to simply turn up for your mini’s first session. A member of the coaching team will provide all of the information you need. For more information prior to your visit, you can get in touch with us via alresfordminisrugby@gmail.com. You will need to complete some forms as well as obtain a membership for your child before they start.

Do you offer a taster session?

Yes, we understand that lots of children, and parents, like to give a session a go before they sign up for a full membership and training programme. All children aged 4+ (reception age) are welcome to come along and give 3 sessions a go, free of charge. Simply turn up, or get in contact with us in advance if you have any questions.

How do I renew my child’s membership?

There is now a two-part process (Membership & re-affiliation) for all junior players. Once you have completed the membership process, you will now need to complete player re-affiliation. This is a mandatory RFU requirement, firstly for them to be insured at Alresford RFC and secondly to play in rugby festivals at other clubs.

Age Grade Player Affiliation is an online annual process for U18 club players. RFU Regulation 15 requires players to be affiliated each season. Using online affiliation removes the need for paper forms, and should reduce administrative burden, increases data accuracy, and places the ownership/update of data with the parents rather than club administrators.

If your child is an existing member, you will need to renew their player affiliation – please do not set up a new affiliation, as this will duplicate the record already on file. Login to the GMS, click on your child’s personal profile and click on “Affiliate Player” under the My Actions box.

This will take you through to the Player Affiliation Form which will be mostly pre-populated for existing players. Check all the details are still correct, add/amend* any missing or incorrect details, tick the relevant consents/waivers and click “SAVE”.
*You can add/edit details by clicking on the pencil, or … icons and + to add.)

The parent/guardian should then receive an automated email confirming “Renewal of the Age Grade Affiliation”. Your child’s profile will now show Player (Youth) in the section labelled Roles.

Not registered? If you’ve not yet registered on GMS, please go to https://gms.rfu.com/GMS/Dashboard/Organisation/941 , click on “Find Club”, filter on “Alresford” and then click “Create Account”.

Make a parent profile first, then add your kid(s). Once registered, you should be able to buy a membership and click “Affiliate Player” or “Register to Play” (on the child’s profile only).

Is there somewhere to get a tea or coffee?

Yes! We are fortunate enough to have some fantastic facilities on site, including a Coffee Van and Club House where you can get hot drinks and light refreshments. Please be aware that whilst your child is on the pitch, a parent or guardian must remain on the side of the pitch throughout.

The Spond App

Alresford Rugby Club are now utilising the attendance app called Spond. This is a free app on all iPhone and Android phones. The app allows team managers and coaches to plan sessions, take registers and check availability for festivals and competitions. Once you and your player have decided to join the community we would ask that you download this app and become registered with us. It is incredibly important to engage with us on this app. Not only does it allow us to plan the correct sessions knowing who we have coming but this is also the weekly register that is required to be taken by all team managers so we know who is attending from a safeguarding angle.

Expectations of Parent/Guardian

Whilst we expect a lot from our young players we do also include our parents in some responsibilities. As mentioned, timekeeping is extremely important to allow adequate warming up and preparation time and at these young ages, they are probably still reliant on yourself for the taxi services to get to training and festivals.

You must stay on-site at all times, please do not leave your player unattended during the session. Whilst the coaches are constantly aware of the children if there are any bumps, tears or anxieties sometimes it is the face of a parent that is needed the most rather than the coaches.

Parents on the sidelines are a great motivator for all players, young and old, and all coaches will agree it’s a great source of encouragement to hear shouts coming out. However, we would strongly ask that these words are always of a positive nature to all players, coaches and referees from any club and team. Generally, it is best for everyone involved if the coaching remains on the pitch between the qualified coaches and the players rather than on the sidelines. If your child is listening to you on the sideline they are likely not listening to the coach which potentially isn’t showing the respect that we would expect at the club.

On a more serious note, if any parent or player is found to be using abusive words to any rugby community person they will be asked to leave the site. In the case of a parent who is asked to leave, your child will be as well, nobody wishes this to happen and therefore please be aware of your word usage around the club. In cases where you may have spotted something happening please do not get involved yourself, immediately approach any coach of the club and tell them what you have seen.

Upcoming minis events

We regularly host club events for children and parents to get involved in.

More info

Forms and important information

Find important club information and forms.

More info

Minis kit shop

You’ll be notified when the kit shop opens during the season. You can shop online for the Alresford Minis Rugby kit and a range of accessories in the Junior Club Shop.

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Any other questions just drop an e-mail (alresfordminisrugby@gmail.com) or catch up on a Sunday down at the pitches.