The first half of the season saw the juggernaut that is Junior Rugby at Pontefract continue to gather momentum. With a lot of work going into the minis section the standards around the ground for game days stepped up to a new level. The number of children, both girls and boys choosing to play their rugby at this great club is a testament to all the hard work put in by many people over the last number of years. Word has spread throughout the club with many members amazed just how well we are doing; it really has injected a new energy into the club as a whole.

The season took a downward turn following a frustrating January and February with several games being cancelled due to the torrential rain. Then just as we were getting back to action, we have been hit with Covid-19. At this point I want to pass best wishes onto all the family and friends associated with our club and within our community. Whilst we all wish we could be back playing, the safety and wellbeing of our members, both junior and senior alike, are and always will be the priority of the club.
This unplanned downtime has given the Junior Committee the opportunity to really think about the coming season. Of course, we are still in a period of uncertainty regarding recommencing team sport but this hasn’t stopped us planning and preparing for next season. Our vision is to become best in class in what we do and make the rugby experience of both children and parents the best it can possibly be.

With this in mind it gives me pleasure to announce some positive news. The first is that PRUFC have appointed Linden Metcalfe as Development Officer for 2020/21 season. Linden brings great enthusiasm into this role which I’m confident will bring him success as he visits schools in the local area to help spread the word and continue the growth of our Junior section. We wish Linden all the best and can’t wait to get started working with him.

The second piece of news is a ground breaking idea we are working on to further develop our talented youth. Next season will see the launch of the Junior Elite Training Programme (JET Programme) although still in its planning phase, this is generating a whole lot of excitement around the club. Aimed at U13 & U15 girls and U15 boys & Junior Colt players, this programme is designed to enhance position specific skills and knowledge in an effort to help progress players from Junior to Senior rugby and also to increase the chances of representative rugby. Mentoring groups are being discuss and guest coaches are being organised to run more specific coaching sessions. More details of this exciting initiative will be presented in the near future so be sure to check out our webpage as frequently as possible.

It really is a great time to part of this junior movement so continue to spread the word encourage family and friends to try this great sport and make friends for life at our fantastic club.

Stay Safe everyone,
Many Thanks,
Tim Williamson
Junior Chairman