Twickenham Curtain Raiser for the Old Mutual Wealth Series Fixture.
England v Australia
Old Mutual Wealth Series
Twickenham Stadium
Saturday 18th November 2017
Henley Rugby Football Club has a proud tradition of providing top-level grassroots rugby for the adult playing population of South East Oxfordshire through the Henley Hawks.
One of the key components of this is the thriving mini and junior section which can be found every Sunday on the pitches on the banks of the Thames at their Dry Leas ground. With over 400 children registered from Under 7 to Under 18 the committee, led by M&J Chairman Dax Aiken, have recognised that the principles of Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Rugby should be at the forefront of the development of the volunteer coaches and referees.
Club Coaching Co-Ordinators Mike Crook and, latterly, Sam Cowan, as well as Director of Rugby Administration Aubrey Doran have been instrumental in organising numerous CPDs to enable their coaches and referees to put the players at the centre of the rugby experience. This commitment to continued development has resulted in excellent player retention, especially within the mini section. Henley coaches also regularly attend RFU Award Courses which has led to a sustained high standard of delivery by coaches who not only fully embrace the key principles of Old Mutual Wealth Kids First Rugby but also the Core Values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
It is not just on the pitch that Henley has grown. Safeguarding Officer Stephen Rees has ensured that all necessary training is up to date and proactive volunteers have ensured the Game Management System is used to its fullest extent. Facilities at Dry Leas have undergone extensive modernisation with a revamped bar and entertainment whilst a new changing room block was officially opened in October 2017. These improvements have been carried out with the support of the RFU Local Delivery Team and local sponsors. It is anticipated that the improved facilities will help attract and retain new members through the club’s Player Reach Out Programme (PROP), aimed at retaining and recruiting players aged 14+ from the local state secondary schools.
It is the Under 12s of Henley Rugby Football Club who have the honour of proudly representing both their club and the county of Oxfordshire at Twickenham Stadium in the curtain raiser to the Old Mutual Wealth Series match against Australia on Saturday 18th November.
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