Eastern Counties Rugby Union

Many, many clubs run very successful youth sections, but lose players once they go to university.
In Eastern Counties, we, once again, are looking to run university returners festivals / matches in the Christmas and Easter holidays – probably under lights, but possibly at the weekend.
The format of the festival would be up to you – 7s, 10s (recommended), possibly 15s – involving maybe last years’ colts / previous years’ colts / local school OBs / neighbouring clubs’ old colts etc etc.
The choice is yours !!

This would give clubs the opportunity to remain in contact with their players who are at university, and reap the harvest of earlier years, with players returning to their home club post university.
Maybe you already hold a game or event along these lines, but need to develop it or ‘spice it up’.
We have been able to obtain significant funding from the RFU, and are now targeting 3 events in each of the 2 holidays – with a budget of around £350 per event.

Eastern Counties could offer a significant financial contribution to the cost of running the event (medical / referee / food / refreshments etc) through the RFU Innovation Fund.
If you are interested, please send me the grains of your idea, and I can see how it can be developed and how Eastern Counties can help.

By e-mail to me – rossrugby@btinternet.com – or call me on 07786 332930
We are looking for ideas – We want to spend the RFU’s money !!! - I look forward to hearing from you.
Our RDOs & CRCs will be discussing this initiative with you.

Yours, in rugby,
Ross Cowie
Chairman – CCPD – Eastern Counties