So great training session today - boys were switched on and making great efforts. As the ground is still very hard we've been avoiding heavy contact for the last 2 sessions & focus today was on passing, drawing defenders and we did some line-out work - a new skill for this team this season. Even with the hard ground, we'll have to start looking at getting into contact over the next few sessions - so likely we'll start working on tackling, rucking, mauling and some scrummaging (now an 8 man scrum).

We had a new kid (another Alex) join us today and it looks like he is keen to come again. Next weeks training is a tryout session for new kids - and flyers were handed out to the boys to see if they can bring some friends. We will still do a normal training session as we have work to do, so there will be extra coaches around to handle the influx if necessary :-)

We have an away fixture on Sept 30th, and we now play a 15 man game. Details are on Pitchero here (http://www.hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk/teams/166982/match-centre/1-3731627). With that in mind a few of things need to happen:

• Boys/Parents need to confirm their availability for the game ASAP on Pitchero using the Pitchero Club app
• If we believe we have enough kids (ideally 18+), then the TMs can look to organise a bus/coach for the fixture for which we will ask the club to contribute
• If we get fewer kids, we'll still try to play the game, but will need to talk to the opposition to see if there is some flexibility
• Team selection will be posted on Pitchero fixture page (link above) once availability is confirmed.
• Matches are now 25 mins a half, so fitness is a factor, and we will definitely need as many subs as we can muster
• We can travel up and back as a team to the fixture which hopefully will start to bind the boys a bit more
• Parents and supporters welcome and encouraged, just let TMs know so that we can get the right size bus

Thanks for letting us know about availability at training this week, that was really helpful with the planning, keep it up. Keep an eye on Pitchero, as we are trying to use it more extensively to keep you guys informed. If there are things you need to know, get in touch with us and we'll ensure information is provided. Well done to the lads so far, and on the basis of the last couple of sessions I think they could have a good season ahead.

Final note, here are the u14s Rules of Play (https://www.englandrugby.com/mm/Document/General/General/01/32/72/58/RFURegulation15Appendix8_English.pdf). As a lot of the kids love refereeing the games they play in, it may be useful for them to have a read :-)

Cheers
u14s TMs and Coaches