The minis and youth section registration day is this Sunday 3rd September from 10am. All the information on this can be found by clicking here - with all children welcome and encouraged to attend to give rugby a go.

With the launch of the section, Mike Hodge, Chairman of the Club and Youth Co-Ordinator has provided an exclusive interview for the Old Gs website, highlighting his ambitions for the section and the increasing importance that Old Gs is placing on youth development and minis rugby.

Q. So Mike, why is youth rugby so important to Old Gravesendians?
Mike Hodge (MH): Old Gravesendians has always been proud to call itself a community and family club and by launching the youth section we are able to provide something extra to the local area. I can remember 15 years ago when the pitch was full on a Sunday morning with kids running around playing rugby in Old Gs kit. We want to bring that back

Q. And why is the youth section being launched now?
MH: When launching something on this scale, you have to plan it thoroughly. We have been running a trial for the past year to ensure we have everything in place. We have also secured extra sponsorship from local businesses who share our vision. With this we are able to cover the membership costs of the children and also fund the section suitably. It has taken us a long time to get to this point and a lot of hard work, but we think that we are now in a position to do this and make it successful.

Q. So why should kids come and play rugby at Old Gs?
MH: The sessions are geared for one thing and that is fun! We have a number of coaches in place for the coming season and the sessions are all planned in advance with the emphasise on Teamwork, Enjoyment, Sportsmanship, Respect and Discipline.

Q. What are the aspirations for the minis and youth section and what success can be achieved?
MH: This is the first year and we are hoping to attract a number of new children and parents to the club. We have a vision to introduce a new age group each year, so that in 5-8 years time we can run a number of sides at various age groups.

Q. And finally, what are you most looking forward to?
MH: I’m really looking forward to Registration Day to see all the players from last year and the new players who will be coming to the club for the first time. Having come through youth rugby myself (albeit a very long time ago) it will be great to see how the children develop, not only as rugby players, but by learning the ethos of rugby and bringing that into their personalities.

Thanks to Mike for highlighting the vision of the section. If you'd like more information on how to get involved in youth and minis rugby at Old Gs Mike can be contacted on 07971 670964 or mhodge@FTSERussell.com.

So get down to Old Gs on Sunday morning for the exicitng launch of the new minis and youth section - all are welcome to come and get into rugby! See you there!!!