While the British and Irish Lions are currently undertaking the ultimate touring challenge against the World Champions South Africa on their own soil, the enjoyment and benefits of rugby tours are certainly not restricted to the game’s elite players.
Marple Mini / Youth Rugby Club is getting in the Lions spirit and preparing to unveil a series of touring teams from their junior section.
It may not be the Western Cape just yet, but the name and playing experience of the Marple Club will be far and wide across Great Brtain in the near future – thanks partly to a supporting grant received from the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester Grass Roots Fund.
Marple junior players will soon be seen in action at locations stretching as far as Carlisle to Gloucester. The grant has enabled the ambitious village club (which now boasts nearly two hundred junior rugby playing members) to now organise and implement a series of long-weekend playing tours for seven of its teams, ranging from under 11′s to under 17′s.
Jonathan Parry, Chairman of Marple Minis said: “This is a great opportunity for our young players to experience playing Rugby Union in different parts of the country and to have some fun on the way with a team building weekend. We would like to thank the Community Foundation for Greater Manchester Grass Roots Fund for helping to make this possible with their financial support of £5000. This has contributed to the teams own hard work fundraising to help pay for these trips.”
While touring with a rugby team will be a very new experience for some at the club, the coming season’s Under 14s team are now becoming veterans in their own right and the whole club is now drawing on their invaluable travelling experience to help plan the perfect schedule. The squad led by coaches Jon Greenhalgh, Steve Palmer and Rob Barker have already completed successful playing trips to play Cumbria and the West Midlands over the last three seasons and are heading back to play Cumbria.
Coach Jon Greenhalgh added : “A lot of work goes into planning these tours. Other activities are always included to compliment the rugby elements of the tour, such as outdoor pursuits, which help with bonding and teamwork. It’s all about the cultural and social development of the players, as well as having a good time. Tours also help the coaches to develop our own interpersonal skills and the way we approach the role of coaching our players. Rounded off with a presentation evening and edited DVD as a memorable close, this part is very well received by players and parents and a good measure of success.”
Marple Mini / Youth Rugby Club is always keen to attract new players to the club at all age levels and abilities.
Anyone interested should contact Minis Secretary Audrey Johnson on (0161) 449 7594 or via our website www.marpleminis-youthrugbyclub.co.uk
Original article by Jon Parry