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 support university returners festivals / matches in September, and in the Christmas and Easter holidays – probably under lights, but possibly at the weekend.
The format of the game / 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 !!
Many boys who have previously played in your Colts / Youth Section are about to go to University in mid-September – can you organise a game for them prior to their departure ? – maybe against a home XV, this coming season’s colts or another club.
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’.
I am aware that a few clubs already have games or festivals planned.

We have funding available to support clubs in these opportunities, and I am keen that we can support more of these this season.
Eastern Counties will offer a financial contribution of £100 for each game involving a team of mostly university lads at home towards the cost of post-match refreshments etc particularly if this could help “kick-start” a game.
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