COVENTRY are launching their own mini, junior and youth section next season.From September, under-7s and under-8s will train and play at Butts Park Arena as their future begins at Coventry Rugby.The club will follow the RFU’s Warwickshire pilot scheme for both age groups where games are used as a basis for coaching.
The teams will provide pre-match entertainment at some of Coventry’s Saturday games and match-day mascots will be drawn from club members.
Membership forms and samples of kit will be available at tomorrow’s game against Redruth. The section launch will be held at Butts Park Arena on September 4 with club staff in attendance to answer any questions. Further details are available from the club on 024 7623 1001.
This is great for the club on a number of levels, membership, revenue, building a future etc.
At the moment this will work well because the 7's and 8's are only 2 small teams (5-a-side?) and they can play at either end of the pitch, However won't we run in to problems next year when we won't even be able to cater for 3 teams U7's, 8's and 9's because we havent got any other space?
Then we will quickly get to the point where we the M+J's are playing on other premises and revenue disappears.This is a good announcement but i'm as sceptical to it's viability as i was of the Coventry Colts side (who have had a great season btw!).
It was certainly an option that was mentioned when I asked a few questions about plans for this scheme on Saturday. I certainly got the impression that the main location wouldn't be the BPA pitch.
Using the Common. they could still use the Butts as a base, using the changing rooms, bar (for the parents !) etc. This would maintain the link with the club. I would guess the Council would be supportive as it fulfills the aim of community involvement.
Lets all stop thinking we have a 4 sided stadium and think of the 3 sided option.
The land opposite the main stand could be grassed and initially utilised for mini rugby and training. This would keep things in-house so to speak. Later, as the kids get bigger a piece of land could be obtained with a changing room. This option could be investigated and planned for a time when these mini's need bigger pitches, ie, in 1 or 2 years time.
Maybe Sport England or Lottery money could be applied for and help with this.
That said, what a difference it would make to have a "wholistic" approach to the rugby club, rather than a single team. Players will have more loyalty to the club longer term and parents could be encouraged to become club members and supporters.
lets not poach other club's players either, lets try and get the kids from all around the Butts park involved. It could get some of these "inner city" kids off the streets and into the sport, a real selling point to public bodies where funding is concerned.
Great idea...... I applaud it. Onward and upward.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2011:04:20:14:34:30 by covkid53.
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