Goals
Three clubs have combined their resources to achieve the following goals for the girls' game in Berkshire:
- to introduce the game of rugby to all interested U15 and U18 players in the county;
- to establish a framework of coaching and games to allow all players to develop from a novice to, potentially, an international player; and,
- to create an environment that allows all players to enjoy the game and establish lasting friendships.
Clubs
Currently, Newbury, Reading and Slough are the Berkshire clubs with active girls' sides. Each of these clubs combine their players to create 'Cluster Teams' - the Berkshire Barbarians. Teams compete at either the U15 or U18 age groups in the Thames Valley League. League games start in October and continue right through to the end of the season, integrated with the County and Regional programmes. Last season the U18s won the league for the second year in a row and won the National Cup. The U15s came 2nd in the TV League
New players are always welcome and no experience is necessary. All the clubs are affiliated to the RFUW and have fully qualified coaching staff. The training times and contact details are as follows:
Newbury - 10.00 am to 11.30 am each Sunday
Malcolm Darvell - Coach
Reading - 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm each Wednesday
David Edwards - Manager
Nicola Eames - Coach
Slough - 6.00 to 7.30 each Wednesday
Sandie Belcher -
Bracknell - TBC
Jo Parker
County
In September a number of County development days are held (see fixture list) where all the players train together. Everyone is invited and in late September there are County trials after which the selected squad play a series of county games before Christmas. The Berkshire clubs have a good track record of developing players to compete at County level. Players starting this year would have a realistic chance of getting into the County development squad.
Regional
In January, players selected by the County coaches attend the Regional trial for selection to the Thames Valley Regional Squad. This team, consisting of the best players from Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Middlesex and Buckinghamshire, train and compete together between February and April and compete at the National Tournament against regional teams from across the country.
And beyond?
Several of our County games and all the Regional games are watched by members of the RFUW team to “spot” potential talent. Additionally, Regional coaches can recommend players for close assessment. Selected players are invited to attend a “Performance Academy” session where successful players will be further invited to take part in a Talent Development Group. Players may also have the opportunity to play in the recently started Junior Super League. We even have had two players selected from this group to represent England in the U20 squad in the Nations Cup
