LATEST YOUTH RUGBY NEWS

PRE-SEASON TRAINING

Official Club pre-season training will commence on Wednesday 6 August 2008. We already have several fixtures lined up and would be grateful if you could put in a bit of work during the summer months so that when we start matches in September we are able to compete. In the next few weeks we will put on the website an example of the type of pre-season training you could be doing on your own, but until then if you can get involved in any sporting activity and maintain a general level of fitness then it will stand you in good stead for the real thing!

There are several very good websites that you can access which provide excellent advice on diet, hydration and exercise and, if you have the time, we would advise that you read them.

The first is the IRFU website at www.irishrugby.ie. Go to the Development section of this site where you will find advice on General Fitness, Youth Fitness and a great section entitled Eat to Compete. It provides everything you need to know about the type of foods you should be eating and when to eat them. (Unfortunately donuts are not on the list so I'm sorry to disappoint a few of you!!)   

Also in the Development section of the IRFU site there is a rugby course called IRB Rugby Ready. While it is aimed at coaches it is a great information section for everyone and I would strongly advise all Youth players to sign up for it and complete the course. It is free and easy to navigate. ( If Mackie can do it then its easy!) 

REGISTRATION AND SUBSCRIPTIONS 2008-09

It is vital that we have every player registered with the Club prior to any games commencing this year. This is now an IRFU requirement and we need to ensure that this is carried out as a priority at the beginning of the season. There is also a requirement for every player to complete a player profile and to become a member of the Club to ensure that they are covered by the insurance scheme. Deatils of all of this will be issued at pre-season training.   

As always if you have any queries relating to Youth Rugby pick up the phone and talk to Alan or Mackie and we will be glad to assist. Have a great summer and we will see you on 6 August.

COACHING OPPORTUNITIES
We are currently looking for committed and interested people who feel they can contribute to the future of rugby at Harlequins by becoming a Youth coach and/or Team Manager. We are hoping to field an U14 side as well next season and therefore require more personnel to fill these vital roles. There will be more information on the website in the next few weeks but if you feel you would like to get involved in any way then please contact Alan Mckee, Alan Benson or Michael McAteer.