The Blandford RFC Mini & Junior Academy provides children between 5-16 years an opportunity to learn and develop the skills to play and enjoy rugby union in a safe and supportive coaching environment.

Playing season starts Sunday 3rd September 2023

Every Sunday morning 10:00-11:30am
All boys and girls aged 5 -16 years welcome
Under 5’s -U6’s play fun games and races with a rugby focus
Under 7’s & U8’s play non-contact ‘Tag’ rugby
Under 9’s-U16’s learn and play contact rugby
RFU Affiliated Club
RFU Qualified and DBS Coaches
Free Taster sessions for new players. Call for info!

Our Mini & Junior Academy coaches aim to ensure that sessions and matches are centred on players having an enjoyable experience. Our minis squads (U6-U12) have a mixture of squad training sessions at home, mixed with friendly training fixtures with other clubs, at home and away throughout Dorset. Our Juniors (U16) play competitive matches on Sunday mornings throughout Hampshire and Dorset.

As a club we adhere to the RFU ethos of TREDS, which stands for Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Full details of this and our other policy documentation can be found on our website.

To join in the fun, email academychair@blandfordrfc.com or just come along to Larksmead on a Sunday morning 10 minutes before the session starts and ask for your age group Manager or Trevor Bristow (Academy Chair).

All our coaches are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked and have achieved or are working towards recommended RFU coach development awards and qualifications. They also undertake CPD to improve the coaching skills by attending various other coach development events and courses.

Parents/Guardians are asked to stay on site, but are free to enjoy the facilities in the clubhouse or watch other age groups training or playing matches. If you have to leave the ground whilst your child is training you must arrange for a ‘designated adult’ to be responsible for them during your absence.

Sessions are taken outside so please make sure your child(ren) is(are) dressed appropriately for the weather.

If you think that you would like to learn more about helping out on the coaching front, please either speak to Trevor Bristow on 07368 344230 or email him at: academychair@blandfordrfc.com who will be happy to provide you with more information.