THE NORTHWICH RUFC COLUMN - By John Blower

THERE are many local sports clubs, such as football and others, who run junior teams but how many of these junior players go on to actually play for that club's leading team!

Rugby is unique in this respect whereby it develops junior players in various stages throughout their involvement, progressing to play for the senior teams.

Already this year 23 players have been selected in the Northwich first-team squad, 19 of which came through our junior section. And eight of these players are under the age 20.

Some of these highly promising players will no doubt be an integral part of the Northwich rugby future.

In the early 2000s Northwich were winning community awards for its junior section achievements year on year until a slow decline occurred.

Over a number of seasons there had been a lack of investment in the junior section, so 12 months ago a rebuilding programme commenced.

Now over 80 children participate aged under 5 to under 13 every Sunday at Moss Farm from 10.30am.

Children of any ability are invited to come down and “give it a try”.

The superstars initiative prides itself on having the community at its heart, where every child matters and enjoyment is key, giving a positive experience for coaches and children alike.

Children from three years old can begin their rugby journey at Northwich.

Playing and importantly coaching numbers continue to increase and it’s never to late to join in.

The current superstars have made outstanding progress and developmental fixtures are arranged for age group teams U7,U8, U9 U10 and U11. The U13 age group also have increasing numbers and fixtures.

We’ve been working hard on managing the transition from colts to the senior set up, forming a development pathway for the boys to integrate and progress through to the senior section. Several boys are now getting chances in the firxt XV.

The club recognise it will be a number of years before a colts team is once again formed and the next generation of Northwich RUFC are ready to integrate into senior rugby but the pathway from U17 to senior teams continues every Thursday 7pm at Moss Farm.