Midsomer Norton U11s helped celebrate more than ten seasons of the Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup by taking part in an event hosted by Bath Rugby on Sunday.
The Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup, a nationwide series of events, has seen more than 82,000 children take part to date and continues to grow, providing developmental experience for young players to excel in a professionally run environment.
This weekend it was Bath Rugby’s turn to host their event this season with Trowbridge Rugby Club the venue, with 32 teams strutting their stuff across an Under-12 and Under-11 festival. In the Under-11 competition, Midsomer Norton U11s demonstrated plenty of effort and skill but fell just short of earning a trip to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final.
Despite losing to Chichester U11s, Josh Uhrmacher, of Midsomer Norton U11s, was still proud of his side’s performances: “It’s been really fun and I really like it here. It’s my favourite sport and I just love being here. I’ve been playing for a long time, and enjoy the fact that I can tackle, run and just be free on the pitch, in a way!”
Participating players at the festival also had the opportunity to meet Will Vaughan, who took time to watch the young teams, as well as offer coaching tips between games.
Commenting on the importance of grassroots rugby, he said: “I remember the Under-13s; I was doing days like this and that’s what made me love the game in the first place.
“The only way you’re going to get professionals out of the sport is if you do days like this, and it’s enjoyable for all of the kids, because otherwise they’re going to lose interest and not want to play anymore. It’s about creating interest; the more we can get them to our games, the more we can get an interest and return the favour.”
Joe Leavey, Sportsbeat