This is the Web site dedicated to United Services Rugby Football Club, Minis and Youth section. We are based in Portsmouth and are open to all members of the community, services and civilian.

Although our name suggests a Services heritage we encourage new members from all walks of life and jointly enjoy the benefits of being affiliated to the Services.

Club Ethos

United Services Minis is one of the fastest growing and most successful minis sections in the local area. We aim to have good fun and good rugby provided in a friendly, family orientated environment. We aim to have fun whilst we train and then play matches and festivals to win without creating an over competative atmosphere. United Services are proud to boast a warm, welcoming and friendly atmosphere to new and long standing members equally.

Mini rugby is affiliated to the England RFU as a closely monitored approach to rugby that introduces boys and girls to the key aspects of the game in a structured and safe manner. Children play in groups from U6 to U16, learning new skills and gaining a wider understanding and appreciation of the game as they progress from age group to age group as a collective set of players and indeed friends.

Just as important, children learn about the camaraderie and the philosophy of rugby, making new friends from all walks of life. To provide the training in an effective and child orientated manner, we have many RFU qualified coaches. They are committed, enthusiastic and in fact mostly parents themselves of children within the different squad age groups. Our coach to child ratio is one of the best in the area with approximately 1 coach per 5 children.

Facilities

As we have a connection into the services, we are able to use their superb facilities in the city, hence we currently have an option to play at 3 different grounds. Clarence Fields, Burnaby Road and Eastney Barracks.

Training

Training takes place on Sunday mornings at Clarence Fields by the Fun Fair in Southsea and at HMS Tamaraire, Burnaby Road, Southsea, starting at 10:00am, usually starting with skill development then followed by matches within each age group. We are keen to spread the skills ability across teams during training to ensure the concept of "cannon fodder" is never present. Each session finishes at approximately 12:00pm.

Matches

There are a number of home and away fixtures against some of the best mini clubs in the local area and we participate in several festivals, particularly in the second half of the season. Matches against other teams are performed in a equal ability structure, where possible matching like ability teams against each other.

The fixtures secretary endeavours to keep the away matches within acceptable distances, The Management Committee works to inform parents of any cancellations or rescheduling with as much notice as possible.

Kit

During the training, the children are encouraged to wear appropriate, warm clothing and to bring a drink for the training breaks. At the end of each session further refreshment is available in the Clubhouse located next to the Grandstand.

Parents & Supporters

Parents are encouraged to watch, get involved with the running of the club or simply to retire to the warmth of the Clubhouses or the Sportsman's Arms viewing lounge to support their child's enjoyment. The Clubhouse provides a range of teas, coffees and a bar when appropriate. There is also a big screen TV to help keep the tots occupied or to show live games etc.

In Summary

As you can see, United Services is a well organised, politics free minis club. Our aim is to enjoy this wonderful game allowing those children who want to progress to the top to do so and equally to allow those children who want a bit of fun with their friends all the facilities and environment to do so. A big part of creating the environment is down to the support of the Children's family and friends both in a hands on and hands off perspective.

What to do next

If you'd like to find out more, please contact us via E-mail or indeed, turn up at our ground for the day on a Sunday morning when we are at home and see for yourself.

Last Updated on Monday, 23 August 2010 07:01