With next season rapidly approaching (starts Sunday 4th September @ 10.15am), we are facing some big changes as we mover over to tackling (contact) rugby.

NEW: Pre-Season Training with Andy and New GRFC Coach Craig -- next three Tuesdays @ 5.45pm

To make the most of the time we have from the beginning of the season up to our first games, we're getting the squad together for some pre-season training. This will focus on 'reminding' ourselves about our ball handling skills linked to some fitness work.

We are very fortunate that Craig Burrows -- our first team and Club Coach -- has agreed to take 3 sessions on Tuesday nights from 5.45pm-7pm on 16th, 23rd, 30th August.

To attend, please be in front of the clubhouse by 5.45pm, so that we can get a prompt start at 6pm. Craig takes the 1st XV squad immediately afterwards, so we really can't run over.

It doesn't matter if you can't make all of the sessions, but very helpful to have an indication of interest, to help us to gauge what to expect and make the most of sessions. We're looking forward to seeing you on 16th!

I look forward to seeing many of the squad next Tuesday night. If you have a friend who might want to try rugby, why not bring them along to the next 3 sessions (or during the Season), to see if they like it and we can take it from there?

More good news! Grove Rugby Camp, New Coach Lee...

You hear nothing for weeks and then a whole bunch of communications come along together! Week 3 of the summer holidays and all of my children are still alive....somehow!

We've also seen the second day of Mini Rugby Camp with Craig and there was a great showing from the U9's - with 7 players in attendance despite so many away on holiday. Distinct enthusiasm on the tackle bags has been much in evidence so it looks good for this season! The next Minis Rugby Camp has now been confirmed for October 2011 half-term (details to be posted on website, etc.).

Many of you might remember that Lee Marsden (William's dad) came to help us out in the second half of last season and was extremely effective. With his experience of coaching through Mini and Junior levels, it was great to have someone who had been there before and I learned a lot from watching and listening to him [Editor's note: Andy modestly forgetting his years spent playing rugby professionally!]. We're now very pleased to announce that Lee will be joining our Coaching Team on a permanent basis this season and I'm sure this will help raise even further the quality of coaching we can offer the squad.

We also have a new team admin, Wendy, so you will see more regular e-mails and announcements on the website (please sign up and log in regularly -- this will give you the weekly Club/Team emails, too!) as to what we are looking to do.

Best regards

Andy,
Grove RFC U9 Head Coach

[Posted on behalf of Andy Rimmer.]