Barnes Youth kicked off the season this weekend. On Saturday, the Minis were rampaging everywhere at BEST, filling the pitches. The sun was out, but what really stood out was seeing so many kids back into rugby, full of energy. Parents lined the touchlines with coffees, catching up after the break and watching their kids get stuck in for another year. It really felt like the club was back.

On Sunday, it was the Juniors’ turn. Training focused on fitness, skills, and lots of ball work. With the first round of matches approaching, the players got stuck in, pushed each other, and demonstrated the effort, teamwork and sense of enjoyment that will count when the games begin.

None of this would happen without the people working behind the scenes. Over the summer, coaches and volunteers planned sessions, sorted kit, and did all the quiet jobs that make weekends like this possible. Because of them, over 750 young players got a great, organised start to the season.

We are now running girls’ teams up to U16s and are pushing hard to ensure every girl who wants to play has the chance. This Sunday, there will be an open girls’ training session at 2pm for all ages and abilities, followed by a World Cup watch party at the club for the Red Roses v Scotland quarter-final. For more details, get in touch with Boris at juniorgirls@barnesyouthrugby.com