Grove RFC Minis offers fun, safe and welcoming rugby for children aged 5 to 12, with sessions every Sunday morning at the Recreation Ground, Recreation Lane, Grove, Wantage, OX12 0FL.

We welcome families from Grove, Wantage, Faringdon, Didcot, Abingdon, Harwell and across South Oxfordshire and the Vale of White Horse.

Your child's first three sessions are completely free. Come along on a Sunday morning, meet the coaches and see whether your child enjoys it before committing to anything.

Looking for Rugby for a child over 12? We have teams in our Junior Section from 13-18 years old. See more here https://www.groverfc.co.uk/teams/291335

What Is Minis Rugby?

Minis rugby introduces children to the game in a structured, age-appropriate way following the RFU Age Grade pathway.

- Fun, Rugby related games focused on fun and being Active (U6)
- Non-contact tag rugby for younger age groups (U7, U8)
- Gradual, carefully coached introduction to contact from U9
- New game elements added gradually every year from U9-U12
- Fun and participation always come first
- Building friendships, confidence and teamwork

All sessions are run by DBS-checked, RFU-qualified coaches. Grove RFC is an RFU Accredited Club.

Summer Sessions -- Join Us Now

The new season does not wait until September. Grove RFC will run regular summer touch rugby sessions on Thursday evenings from 6:00pm to 7:00pm throughout June, July and August, giving children a great way to get started or stay sharp over the summer.

Contact your age group coach to learn more

Rugby for Boys and Girls

Grove RFC runs mixed Minis teams through to U11, giving boys and girls equal opportunity to learn and play together from the start.

From September 2026, Grove RFC is also launching a dedicated Under 12 Girls section -- the first step in a permanent girls and women's rugby pathway at the club. If you have a daughter in School Year 6 or 7 who is interested in rugby, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more about Girls Rugby at Grove RFC

What Does It Cost?

Membership for the 2026/27 season is £90 for the full year -- just £8.20 a month with our monthly payment option through the RFU's GMS system. No lump sum needed.

Families with more than one child playing benefit from a sibling discount -- a second child costs just £75 for the season, from £6.68 a month. Two children playing at Grove for less than £15 a month combined.

Prices are frozen for 2026/27. The board made a deliberate decision to hold all membership rates, keeping rugby affordable and accessible for every family in the area.

View all membership options and register

Why Choose Grove RFC Minis?

- First three sessions completely free -- try before you commit
- Membership from £6.68 a month with the sibling discount
- Prices frozen for 2026/27 by the club board
- RFU Accredited Club with qualified, DBS-checked coaches at every age group
- Mixed rugby for boys and girls through to U11
- New U12 Girls section launching September 2026
- One of the largest Minis Festivals in the region each October, hosted at the Recreation Ground
- A full pathway from first steps at U6 through to Junior and Senior rugby
- Friendly, family-run community club serving the Vale of White Horse since 1921
- Hot dogs for kids after every session

Training and Sessions

Sunday mornings from 10:00am at the Recreation Ground, Recreation Lane, Grove, Wantage, OX12 0FL.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What age can my child start?
Children can join from age 5 in our U6 Minis group. We also welcome younger siblings along to watch -- many start as soon as they are old enough. At the coaches discretion we may be able to start your child before they turn 5 - please get in touch.

Do we need any experience?
None at all. The vast majority of children who join Grove RFC Minis have never played rugby before. Our coaches are experienced at welcoming complete beginners.

Is it safe?
Yes. All sessions follow RFU Regulation 15 Age Grade guidelines. Contact rugby is not introduced until U9, and even then it is built up carefully, step by step. Every coach is DBS checked and holds appropriate RFU qualifications.

What should my child wear?
Comfortable sports kit with no hoods, and trainers or boots with safe studs. A gumshield is required from U9 onwards. Bring a water bottle