Welcome to Hampstead RFC Junior Section. These few notes give you an introduction to the club and (hopefully) tell you what you need to know. If there is anything you would have liked to know, but has not been included, please email juniors@hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk or download our Welcome Pack.

Brief History

Hampstead Rugby Club is one of the oldest clubs in the world, but as only been active in its current form just over 40 years.
Originally the Hampstead Heathens Sports Club was founded in 1863 and was the birthplace for other notable clubs, such as Harlequins, Wasps & RosslynPark. There was a ‘temporary dissolution’ of the club at the start of the First World War & stayed dormant until 1967, when Mike Flynn & friends got together & re-formed the club.

Its only since he turn of the Millenium that the club has expanded into other factions than running Senior Men’s rugby. 2005 saw us launch our Ladies section, which has been very successful, with the 1st team now competing in National divisions. 2007 we launched our Vets team, with many ex players returning to don the kit once again. And most exciting of all, in 2010 we launched the Junior section. From an initial 20 kids turning out from a taster session, we now have teams all the way from U7s thru to U18s, have participated in Festivals, have a few teams in league competitions & in 2013 launched a Girls U15s team

An overview

The club plays and trains on Hampstead Heath. Saturday mornings from 10.30 – 12.30 all age groups train, split into groups with at least one head coach & one assistant running each group. Matches tend to be on a Sunday & are every 3 or 4 weeks. The standard of play varies a good deal, so do not fret if new to the game.

The Junior season runs from 1st weekend in September through to last weekend in May. We only break for Xmas & Easter Bank hols. All our coaches are required to go through a Rugby Ready course, and we welcome any parental help and will put volunteers through such courses has deemed fit.

If interested in trying us out, please email – juniors@hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk, or just simply turn up on Saturday morning & seek out one of the coaches who will ensure you are placed within the correct group. The only gear required are boots, water, a gum shield if over 7 & something warm to put on after training when cold & wet.

We have a café that sells hot drinks & snacks (plus gum shields) & an online shop for club stash. Training is free, but if you become a regular our fees are £50 membership per child & we ask one parent to become a Social member, also £50 (though happy to come to some arrangement if needs be)

Core Values

Above all we aim to promote rugby’s core values:

• Discipline
• Respect
• Team work
• Building self-confidence
• HAVE FUN

All our lead coaches have been through RFU approved courses & have a core of first aid trained personnel. We promote the RFU ‘Play it Safe’ scheme as our main priority is a child’s well being & for them to enjoy their rugby & we have a set of policies we abide by.

Please give us a try – you won’t regret it!