Welcome to the Hampstead RFC U8’s page for the 2022/23 season. We welcome any new players boys or girls who are in school year 3, no experience necessary.

The Junior season runs from 1st weekend in September through to last weekend in April. We only break for Christmas and Easter Bank holidays.

Whatever the weather, we train on the grass slope above Parliament Hill Fields Athletics Track from 10am - 11:15am on a Saturday morning. Please try to arrive by 9.55am so we can start promptly. The standard of play varies a good deal at this level, so do not fret if new to the game.

Our training sessions are intended to introduce children to rugby and build the skills they need to play the game. However our emphasis is on making sure that the kids enjoy themselves and that both the training sessions and matches they play are fun.

All balls and other equipment necessary for playing are provided by the club. There is no mandatory player kit required for training, but please bring water, a snack and something warm to put on after the session when cold and wet. We recommend boots during the winter months as the ground can be quite slippy.

For the U8’s a responsible person is required to stay on the sideline during training sessions. If you are interested in trying us out you can email – juniors@hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk, or just simply turn up on Saturday morning and seek out one of the coaches who will ensure you are placed within the correct group.

All our lead coaches have been through RFU approved courses, DBS check and we 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 and for them to enjoy their rugby and we have a set of policies we abide by. We welcome any parental help and will put volunteers through such courses as required.

We allow all newcomers a few taster sessions to work out whether rugby is for them. After that, we ask that you join the Club. Our fees each season are £60 membership per child and one Parent Membership per family (£60) (though happy to come to some arrangement if needs be).
Above all at the club we aim to promote rugby’s core values:

• Teamwork
• Respect
• Enjoyment
• Discipline
• Sportsmanship

These few notes give you an introduction to the Team and 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 .

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