Goals
Four 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.
The clubs are also preparing for the new U12/13 age band which will be introduced in the 2011/12 season.
Clubs
Currently, Maidenhead, Newbury, Reading and Slough are the Berkshire clubs with active players. 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 a National League games start in October and continue right through to the end of the season, integrated with the County programme which is completed in the run up to Christmas. Last season the U15s won their league and the U18s came 2nd in theirs.
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 - malcolm@darvell.net
Reading - 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm each Wednesday
David Edwards - Manager - edwards_david_j@hotmail.com
Nicola Eames - Coach -nicola.brooks@pascalls.co.uk
Maidenhead
Julian Rainford
Slough
Peter Belcher - Manager - 07777 631123
Sandie Belcher - Coach - 07789 176483
Check local club websites for up to date information on training times and venues.
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.
Divisional
In the 2010/11 season the Regional Programme was replaced by a Divisional Programme, reflecting the Boys'structure. Berkshire RFU had two girls selected at each age group (U15s: Ruth Dow & Cath McNaney & U18s: Devon Holt & Miguela Kerins). This continues Berkshire's success at delivering players into the development pathway.
And beyond?
Several of our County games and historically all the Regional games are watched by members of the RFUW team to “spot” potential talent. Additionally, Divisional coaches have recommended 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
