BURTON RFC is booming with thriving colts, junior and mini-rugby teams.
Colts rugby in Burton is fast approaching its 50th anniversary and continues to provide a valuable platform for players wishing to graduate to the senior ranks.
Described as the breeding ground for the future, mini and junior section meets primarily on a Sunday morning from September each season.
Starting at the age of five and continuing through to 17, a structured way of developing players is delivered by qualified coaches — and the club is proud of its all-inclusive policy that means no-one is deprived of rugby based on ability.
Fixtures are played until the end of April and tours are an integral part of the section’s work.
This year age groups have visited Italy and Belgium, with a hugely successful mini-tour involving more than 200 youngsters over the Easter weekend.
Success on the pitch follows Burton around and is matched by the constant stream of players representing both Staffordshire and Derbyshire.
National honours were enjoyed by the club this year when Saeed Aboke represented England A at under-16 level.
Team success include under-17 Staffs League winners, under-16 Staffs Plate runners-up, under-15 Staffs League winners, under-14 Staffs Plate winners, under-12 Stoke Festival winners, under-11 Staffs Festival winners and Midlands Festival winners.
Playing is not the only part of rugby enjoyed by as all youngsters are encouraged to take refereeing and coaching courses.
And a successful schools programme has been implemented across East Staffordshire and South Derbyshire with the help of the local community rugby coaches, the RFU and the School Sports Partnership.
Further information is available from Martin Hulbert at ritbrfc@talktalk.net.
