Sun 05 Nov 2017

10:00

09:30

Welcome from Ryan Reino
Chairman of Sutton & Epsom RFC Minis

Sutton & Epsom RFC
Mini Rugby Festival 5 th Nov 2017

I would like to welcome you all to the Sutton & Epsom RFC Mini Rugby Festival. We hope all players; coaches and
spectators have a safe and enjoyable day.
Please note that for years U7, U8 & U9 will be run as a mixed ability festival, but for years U10s & U11s, it will be run
as an “experienced” festival. Please see later for the definition of experienced as per Surrey Rugby.
As with every festival, nothing happens without the multitude of volunteers required to host a successful Festival. On
behalf of Sutton & Epsom RFC, I would like to express my appreciation to all of you who continue to give up your
time to make this event possible.  
My gratitude also goes to the Referees, whose energy and patience are greatly appreciated. Whether these
Referees are experienced Society members or recent recruits, they deserve the respect and appreciation of players,
parents and coaches alike. I am sure a number of you share my concern at the increasing trend of poor touchline
behaviour amongst parents / coaches and it falls on all of us to be vigilant in recognising and eradicating this from
our game. 
As in previous years and in line with the RFU’s age grade review, Sutton & Epsom RFC will not be awarding
trophies for an overall winner of the festival and no final leagues will be collated. However, to encourage the kids to
play good competitive rugby in each game they play, two shields will be given to each team to award to two of their
own players who they feel were the best attacking and best defensive players of the festival. Finally, every child
taking part from U7s to U11s will receive a medal.
It is hoped that the above format as well as ensuring that there are no more than 2 games between a team’s own
game, results in a fun day for all the kids (and hopefully the parents and coaches).
Finally, I applaud our young players today.  Many of you are at the start of a long and enjoyable rugby playing career
and may even go on to represent your club in their 1st XV or perhaps to County, Regional or even National levels. 
Whatever your pathway you will make many friendships on the way and I hope that many are either started or
reinforced today.
The best of luck to you all and most of all enjoy yourselves.
Ryan Reino
Chair of Mini Rugby
Sutton & Epsom RFC