Welcome to the home of Northern Minis
The Mini/Youth section of Northern Football Club started in 1984 with an under 9 side and over the years it has grown so that today it runs teams from under 7 to under 18 and has a membership of approx 300 children.
The Mini/Youth section has always taken pride in the quality of its coaching which has helped two players, David Reece and Dave Walder, win full international caps for England. In addition several boys have represented England at various age group levels. The Mini/Youth section has also provided a steady stream of players for the senior club and last seasons first team squad contains eight players who came through the Mini/Youth section.
In the 2006/7 season Northern Mini's were County finalists at every age group and crowned County Champions at 4 age groups which was an incredible achievement. Under 7s, 9s, and 10s won the championships and Under 12s shared the cup.
Founded 1875
Northumberland Rugby Union
McCRACKEN PARK GREAT NORTH ROAD GOSFORTH NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 2DG
Tel/Fax: (0191) 236 3369 Email: admin@northernfc.co.uk
Website: www.northernminis.com
Northern Mini/Youth Section Information Sheet
2007/2008 Season
Attention: THIS SHEET CONTAINS IMPORTANT INFORMATION, PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ IT
Welcome to Northern Mini and Youth rugby. After an extremely successful season last year we are keen to continue on with the same dedication, effort and purpose to ensure that we go from strength to strength, not only on the field but also off the field. With this in mind we would like to draw your attention to the following:
Membership
Membership fees for the full season are currently £50 payable to Northern Football Club which represents fantastic value in comparison to other sports courses and childrens activities. Children must be members to be covered under both Northerns and RFUs insurance policies. Parents can join as a parent member for £10. A membership form is attached and can also be obtained from the age group coaches or the website. The registration fees go to Northern FC and pay for the running of the club and upkeep of facilities, The Mini / Youth sections rely upon income from the Tuck Shop, organised events and the very generous sponsorship of Metnor Plc, UNW, Sanderson Young, and UBS. With this income we are able to pay for equipment, trophies, medical bags, St Johns ambulance and subsidise tours and away fixtures.
RFU Registration new players
Every child who plays at Northern Mini/Youth section MUST be registered with the RFU and membership forms can be obtained from age group coaches or Tim Peyton who has again very kindly offered to manage the task of collating all the forms and will be found in the McCracken Suite on Sunday mornings in early September.
Both Club membership and RFU registration forms must be completed and submitted by any new players before end Sept 07
Kit
The order / purchasing system and the sale of all kit will be managed by Susan Dixon and Sanchia Coatsworth who have once again very kindly volunteered to organise everything. The kit shop will be open every Sunday for September and October 10.30am 11.30am and subject to demand thereafter, where kit can be purchased and ordered. However, if you wish to contact Susan or Sanchia, place an order or check up on an order, please feel free to email them or find them at the U10s pitch. Payment MUST be made by cheque. In addition to this we have also added a dedicated Kit page to the Website where you can print off order forms and get information regarding delivery timescales etc and it will be possible to order any new kit prior to the season to be ready for 2nd Sept, details of which will be on the website. We will hold a large stock of shirts, shorts and socks which can be purchased immediately.
Website www.northernminis.com
We are constantly striving to improve the website and it is an excellent way to find out about whats happening at the club, allowing coaches to post relevant information each week regarding training, team selection tournaments, match reports etc which last year enabled us to vastly reduce the need for weekly emails. It will also provide information about social events and coaching courses. The website is password protected to ensure we comply with child protection requirements and enable us to post photographs. It is especially important to check the website in the event of inclement weather (waterlogged or frozen pitches) to confirm if training / matches are still on. Go to Mini or Youth teams tabs at top of page.
Training
Training takes place at McCracken Park on Sunday mornings from 10.30 12.00 starting on 2nd September until the last Sunday in April. During the winter parents MUST ensure that players (particularly at U7s and U8s) are suitably dressed with tracksuits, hats and gloves if necessary. All players should bring a drink with them.
Age Groups
We run age groups for children from Under 7s to Under 16s (Under 12s for girls). A players age group age is determined by their age on 1st September at the beginning of the season. No player under the age of 5 years at this date may participate, players under 6 years may join and participate in the training sessions at the coaches discretion but may NOT play in any matches until their 6th birthday. These rules are set by the RFU Continuum. Please note most of our age groups (excluding U7s) are full for the season . If you are interested in joining you should contact the age group coach for further information rather than turn up at the club on a Sunday and risk being disappointed. The U7's age group will be limited to 50 children and will operate on a first come, first in basis.
Gum Shields, Boots and Protective Gear
Northern FC recommends that all children wear dental fitted gum shields during training sessions and matches. At the start of the season we arrange for a dentist to take casts and supply fitted gum shields at cost. Boots must be fitted with approved (kite marked) aluminium studs or moulded rubber blades. Head guards and other items of body protection are subject to individual choice.
Child Welfare
Our coaches are CRB checked and we follow the RFUs policy on Child Welfare as well as the Equal Opportunity/Sports Equity Policy.
Health and Safety
We take this opportunity to remind parents of children in the younger age groups that they should remain at Northern to supervise at all times during training and matches. Coaches are not responsible for children before and after the session or during breaks. Coaches have been advised by child protection officers that they should not be responsible for taking children to the toilet, putting on bibs or tag belts. This is the parents responsibility. In cold weather, sessions often finish early and you should be available to collect your child.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES are dogs allowed on the pitches whether on a lead or not. The health and safety of our children is more important than the need to exercise your dog.
There is a NO SMOKING policy throughout the premises.
Coaching
Northern FC has over 25 RFU qualified coaches and each age group is headed by a lead coach supported by other qualified coaches. In accordance with the RFU Continuum, U7s and U8s play non contact Tag rugby followed by a gradual structural development until U13s when they begin the full 15 a side game. Matches are arranged with local clubs and touring sides throughout the season.
If anyone is interested in coaching they should speak to their age group coach. There are a number of RFU run coaching sessions, details of which are available on both the Northern and RFU Websites. It is strongly advisable that you attend a course if you are interested in being involved. It is also necessary for you to be CRB checked, which can be arranged through the club. Finally, please remember that when you coach at Northern FC you coach all the children and not just your child.
Fixtures
The initial fixture list for the Minis is arranged by Northumberland RFU and deliberately leaves space for us to arrange matches with teams from outside the County. This is an important part in the development of the players who become accustomed to playing against the same teams. This does put a further burden on our resources as it involves more visiting teams and away fixtures however we due believe it is essential.
Tours
Touring is an integral part of Rugby and something that we are very keen to encourage. In previous years we undertook taking the full mini section to the London Irish Tournament which involved an enormous amount of time and dedication to organise which resulted in the most fantastic weekends for both children and boys. We have decided this year that each age group will again arrange their own Tour if they so wish and coaches will keep you informed.
Clubhouse Facilities
Teas, coffees, soft drinks, hot dogs etc are available in the downstairs McCracken suite on Sunday Mornings. The shop is run by parents who volunteer their services as all the profits go straight into the Youth/Mini budget. We desperately need volunteers and anyone interested should contact Katie Reavley on a Sunday morning. We will be organising a rota for each age group to provide volunteers only two or three times each during the season further details to follow. Its your club SUPPORT IT !!!
The bar is open from 12 noon each Sunday and you are welcome to stay and have a drink. Children must remove their boots before entering the clubhouse.
Parking
The parking at Northern is poor and to that end we would ask that anyone who is just dropping off their child, drops them at the bus stop adjacent to the club and that they gain access via the side gate. This avoids the situation where the car park is jammed up by people trying to leave as others arrive at a very busy time. For those staying we must remind you that parking on the grass verges outside the club on the Great North Road is not permitted and the police have informed us that they will issue tickets. Over the 2007 / 2008 season there will be further disruption due to the ongoing development of the flats, however, ground conditions permitting we will be able to use the overflow parking area adjacent to the training pitch, access to which has been improved over the summer. We strongly advise you to car share, walk, cycle etc to help ease the congestion which is particularly bad in December when a Christmas Tree business operates from the car park.
Volunteers / Helpers
We are very proud of our community atmosphere at Northern Mini/Youth with all the committee, coaches and helpers giving their time voluntarily. Any further volunteers are always welcomed as every season it appears that it is the same valuable people doing all the work so if you feel you could help in the Tuck shop, administration / fixtures, Mini Festival please contact us. Our first request for help is with the BBQ on Sunday 2nd September.
Mini Festival
The first major occasion in the clubs diary is the Mini Festival on 28th October. This date has been allocated to us by Northumberland RFU and the County fixtures have been arranged around it. Unfortunately, as with last year it coincides with the end of the half term holidays. Further details will be available early in the season and will be posted on the website.
Annual Youth / Mini Ball
Last May we held our second Ball at the South North Cricket Centre and it proved to be one of the best nights of the year. We intend to hold the Ball again next year in early May so keep your diaries free. Whilst it was a fantastic social event it also proved to be an invaluable money raiser and your continued support will be greatly appreciated.
Sponsors
Although the Mini/Youth section does all it can to raise its own funds we still rely very heavily on very generous sponsorship and we would like to offer great thanks for the continued support of Metnor plc, Sanderson Young, UBS and UNW. All involved in the Sponsorship have children playing at the club and the success and future of the mini/youth section is important to them. Once again, many thanks.
For further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact us or the relevant age group coach.
U 7 | John Williamson |
| john147@talktalk.net |
U8 | Bobby MacFarland | 0191 2170390 | |
U9 | Dave Humphries | 07977 239944 | |
U10 | Jonathan Brown | 01661 852107 | |
U11 | Steve Duncan | 07791 964339 | |
U12 | Dave Thomas | 0191 2857138 | |
U13 | Tim Williams | 07824 398090 | timathome@talk21.com |
U14 | Robin Mackie | 0191 2817380 | robin@the-mackies.com |
U15 | Ian Douglas | 0191 2367463 | |
U16 | Steve Hodgson |
| shodgson@post.com |
Enjoy the season.
Mark Reavley
Chairman Northern Mini Section
0191 2461163 mreavley@blueyonder.co.uk
NORTHUMBERLAND RFU FAIR PLAY CODE
Parents should:
· Remember that young people play rugby for their own enjoyment not that of their parents
· Encourage young people to play do not force them
· Focus on young players efforts rather than winning or losing
· Provide positive feedback both in training and during a game
· Support the club in their efforts to eradicate loud, coarse and abusive behaviour from the game
· Always show appreciate of good play by ALL young players both from your own club and the opposition
· Respect decisions made by the match officials and encourage young players to do likewise
Players should:
· Remember skill development, fun and enjoyment are the most important parts of the session/game
· Work equally hard for yourself and your team
· Recognise good play by ALL players on your team and by your opponents
· Play to the laws and spirit of the game accept without question, all the referees decisions
Spectators should:
· Embrace the ethos of FUN, ENJOYMENT and SKILL DEVELOPMENT
· Act as positive role models to all young players
· Respect match officials decisions
· NEVER VERBALLY ABUSE YOUNG PLAYERS, MATCH OFFICIALS, FELLOW SPECTATORS OR COACHES
· Condemn bad language, rude behaviour and violence
· Encourage ALL youngsters, never ridicule any individual player
Remember Its only a game!
Equity policy statement
This club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity:
Sports equity is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognizing inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure it becomes equally accessible to everyone in society.
The club respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behavior and promote equality of opportunity.
The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behavior seriously, according to club disciplinary procedures.
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Founded 1875
NORTHERN FOOTBALL CLUB
Northumberland Rugby Union
McCRACKEN PARK GREAT NORTH ROAD GOSFORTH NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE NE3 2DG
Tel/Fax: (0191) 236 3369 Email: admin@northernfc.co.uk
www.northernminis.com
A. MINI/YOUTH PLAYER MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM SEASON 2007/8
I would like my son/daughter to be a Mini/Youth Member of Northern Football Club. I understand that Northern Football Club, its servants, agents or employees are not under any liability whatsoever for loss of property. I understand that accidents or injuries may result during training/coaching or playing of rugby and that the clubs insurance only covers death and permanent disability. Full details of the cover are available from the Club Secretary if required.
Subscription is £50 per season per Mini/Youth Member
Details (Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS)
NAME OF SON/DAUGHTER . DOB ../ ./........................
ADDRESS
POST CODE HOME TEL
SCHOOL ATTENDED EMail ..
We agree to follow the Northumberland RFU Code of Conduct for players and parents.
PARENT/GUARDIANS NAME
SIGNATURE DATE
_______________________________________________________________________
B. MINI/YOUTH PARENT MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION FORM SEASON 2007/2008
I wish to apply for/renew Parent Membership. Subscription is £10 per parent.
Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
NAME (S) .SIGNATURE (S) .. .
______________________________________________________________________________
C. PAYMENT ENCLOSED
Player membership £ Parent Membership £ Total enclosed £
Please make cheques payable to NORTHERN FOOTBALL CLUB
D. Medical conditions (Asthma, Epilepsy, Allergies, etc.) If your son/daughter has a medical condition you think we should be aware of please provide details below.
..
..
Emergency Contact Number .
Please hand completed form to son/daughters coach or Tim Peyton
DO NOT HAND DIRECTLY TO THE CLUB
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