Match Preview

Morning everyone!

It's not too long before the first training session of the season and you've all got a few well deserved weeks of rest between now and then. If you're off anywhere exotic then why not post a picture to the clubs or our Under 9 Facebook page wearing your top (bonus points for holding a rugby ball) with a sign saying "I play rugby at Beckenham RFC!!" the one with the most likes and most people in it holding the same sign will win a prize!!

You will get to meet the ex-OD players and parents. The squad has grown to 43 players and 7 coaching staff namely: Skippy & 2 Darren's from ODs, plus Liam, Nic, Jack and me. That assumes everyone comes back for contact rugby and current OD registrations. I'm sure we'll pick up a few more OD players once the season is on us. If your son / daughter has a friend who's not currently with us, or you know if an ODs player who hasn't joined up yet then ask them to sign up and come along in September. We're always on the lookout for new players plus they're a 1,000 points each!!

I've added the first half of the seasons fixtures including festivals where known. Our first one is the traditional Foxbury opener at Old Elthamians. The playing side grows to 7 players with 2 subs so I will aim to enter 4 teams and those not chosen will be at home training. They will be the first names down for the next festival once it's confirmed.

We will continue with the practice of naming squads a day or two after training. I think it's easier to manage as you only need think a few days ahead to know if your child is available to play or not. Details of where you need to be will be in the fixture so if you've not downloaded Pitchero Club to your mobile phone and signed in then you best do so before the season kicks off. Shout if you have any problems with it.

You'll be glad to hear the mythical gazebo may make an appearance in time for the new season. We will be looking for volunteers to take charge of some kit so the coaches don't have to bring that and the gazebo each weekend plus to help the coaches with the training drills. So if you fancy getting a bit more involved then get in touch, I'll find something for you to do!

Finally the end of season tour will take place but it might not be on the Isle of Wight. More info will follow from Cath and Tina once available. Budget for around £300 plus spending money. If anyone has a company and would like their company name on the tour shirts or something else then get in touch for pricing options.

Have a cracking summer and if you read this far down then well done, you're a star!!

Thanks all,

Jim & coaching team