Suffolk Youth Sevens at The Royal Hospital School

Published by Royal Hospital School on Wednesday 5th of October 2011

61 Teams, 155 Games, 9 Pitches, 650 Players

Suffolk RFU hosted its fifth annual flagship Youth Sevens competition on Sunday at the spectacular setting of The Royal Hospital School, Holbrook. This is a most unusual and ground-breaking initiative, with the School working with the County in welcoming its facilities to be used by club teams.

10 clubs in the county, which also includes north east Essex entered sides at ages from Under 13s through to Under 17s. This is a competition which allows the smallest clubs such as Mistley, Harwich and Brightlingsea, who all fielded sides at 2 age groups, to play on the same stage as the larger clubs, Colchester, Bury and Ipswich, who fielded multiple entries at most ages. Stowmarket, Clacton, Southwold and Woodbridge entered sides at every age group. For the first time, there was a girls U15 competition with Colchester, Newmarket and Sudbury taking part.

This is a competition which encompasses both the beginner through to elite academy players.

In total 61 sides took part in a total of 155 games on 9 pitches throughout the day. It is thought that nearly 650 boys (and girls) took part.

20 Referees all qualified - assisted with the event, including 5 sixteen year-olds.

Ross Cowie, Chairman of Youth Rugby commented 'This is a fantastic opportunity for all the county's youth players to play to get together and play on the same stage at the same time. As a result many of the county's smaller clubs use this opportunity to kick-start their season. In addition this event has encouraged a co-operation, a unity and friendliness between all the clubs so that the game and players can develop in a positive atmosphere. This is rugby for all, an event where the game of rugby wins. I am not so concerned as to who wins, but in ensuring that as many players have the opportunity to play in this splendid arena. Sunday was a magnificent success in many, many ways.'