Congratulations to all our September Minis Players of the Month Winners; Arthur L, Freddie K, Henry M, Joseph R, Oliver P, Taia B and William W. There’s some absolutely fantastic feedback across the age group about every players efforts and any awards are always a very difficult decision for the coaches. It’s been absolutely fantastic to see so many players and their families enjoying their rugby back at Cow Lane.

A big welcome and thankyou also to all our new and returning volunteer coaches this season. Thankyou. The M&J section wouldn’t run without all your efforts; please remember if you would like to get involved please just speak to your age group head coach at training or drop me a line on minis@tringrugby.com

This month you may have noticed that the Cubs, our littlest rangers, have introduced new “Well Done” stickers to recognise their play. There are six designs for them to collect. Age Grade rugby sees the introduction of new rules every year in a building block approach towards the 15 man game. Our minis have been working hard with their new rules which has been fantastic to both see and hear; its always great to see the u9s enjoyment in learning to tackle and fall under the careful guidance of our coaches. I think the new tackle rings provided by the club this season have been a great hit with the kids in more ways than one.

There has been some fantastic support provided by the 1XV squad, with coaching visits in recent weeks by George Hayes to the U7s and U10s as well as to our junior teams. This is greatly appreciated as its brilliant for him to pass on his knowledge and when the kids realise that George was 'just like them', playing through our M&J section before graduating on to senior rugby. Thankyou also to Tom Mowbray (ex Tring 1XV) for returning to the club in his new role with Herts RFU and spending the morning coaching with our U9s.

Our minis are now looking forward to a month of Festivals. October starts with teams travelling to Henley and then Maidenhead; this will see c150 Tring players travelling to each respective event from u7 to U12s. The following week sees teams from each age group visiting our friends at Old Albanian to take part in their development festival and all other players will be representing the club in friendlies at Hertford RFC. Last but not least, 22 October, teams from our U7s-U10s will be action at the home of Saracens, Allianz Park Stadium, for the Oakman Cup. This annual event is organised by club sponsors, Oakman Inns, and is always a fantastic day out for the kids.

Good luck to every one involved but perhaps a special mention our U7s and U9s who are participating in their first ever Tag and Contact fixtures!