Monday, November 15, 2004
Ashford U12 Tour Announcement
The Under 12 Rugby Tour - September 2005
I am proposing to organise a team tour for the beginning of September 2005. Effectively, therefore, its an U13 tour. My rationale is that rather than play a farewell mini tour - as Nick's team did last year - I want the team to hit the ground running, playing the 15 aside game on a full size pitch. We will stay away two nights.
Destination - Northampton
My plan is to go to Northampton. A benefit of touring is that you get to play teams with a different local style. We’ve now had 6 years of playing just Kent teams and we could do with some different opposition! The East Midlands, with teams such as Leicester and Northampton, is one of the strongest parts of the country for youth rugby.
We will play two matches, on Saturday and Sunday, against local east Midland sides and, depending on the Zurich fixture list, try to take in a match at Northampton Saints. One of the teams will be the Northampton Old Scouts, which is the mini/youth club of both Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. I aim to stay in a cheap hotel - Travel Inn type. We can probably keep costs to £100 per parent/player combination.
I learned some lessons from last year's tour with the U13/U14s to Bognor. Essentially, you don't have to go to far to engender the tour spirit - amongst parents and players - but don't stay at Butlins!!!
Parents
The other lesson is to take sufficient parents. Some of the boys misbehaved. There must be at least one parent designated directly responsible for each player.
Fund Raising
I am aiming to co-ordinate fund raising with the other age groups that are planning to tour. The money raised will principally go towards two areas. Firstly a fund for incidentals and unforeseen costs. Secondly, to form a hardship fund for players from less well of families. If you have any ideas do let me know.
Bank Account and Treasurer
Tour finances are notoriously badly run. Money lost, deposits uncollected and people turn up on the tour without paying. It’s been the same in my 27 years experience of rugby tours. We should set up a bank account. And need a treasurer to administer it. This person could then accept deposits, of say £20 per player/parent, collect weekly payments, and administer expenditure. Could I have a volunteer please? - Note: Since this was originally written, Denise Morgan has volunteered to take on the treasurer's role.
Please let me have your feedback. Then maybe we can organise a meeting to discuss.
David Burdon 14th November 2004
I am proposing to organise a team tour for the beginning of September 2005. Effectively, therefore, its an U13 tour. My rationale is that rather than play a farewell mini tour - as Nick's team did last year - I want the team to hit the ground running, playing the 15 aside game on a full size pitch. We will stay away two nights.
Destination - Northampton
My plan is to go to Northampton. A benefit of touring is that you get to play teams with a different local style. We’ve now had 6 years of playing just Kent teams and we could do with some different opposition! The East Midlands, with teams such as Leicester and Northampton, is one of the strongest parts of the country for youth rugby.
We will play two matches, on Saturday and Sunday, against local east Midland sides and, depending on the Zurich fixture list, try to take in a match at Northampton Saints. One of the teams will be the Northampton Old Scouts, which is the mini/youth club of both Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. I aim to stay in a cheap hotel - Travel Inn type. We can probably keep costs to £100 per parent/player combination.
I learned some lessons from last year's tour with the U13/U14s to Bognor. Essentially, you don't have to go to far to engender the tour spirit - amongst parents and players - but don't stay at Butlins!!!
Parents
The other lesson is to take sufficient parents. Some of the boys misbehaved. There must be at least one parent designated directly responsible for each player.
Fund Raising
I am aiming to co-ordinate fund raising with the other age groups that are planning to tour. The money raised will principally go towards two areas. Firstly a fund for incidentals and unforeseen costs. Secondly, to form a hardship fund for players from less well of families. If you have any ideas do let me know.
Bank Account and Treasurer
Tour finances are notoriously badly run. Money lost, deposits uncollected and people turn up on the tour without paying. It’s been the same in my 27 years experience of rugby tours. We should set up a bank account. And need a treasurer to administer it. This person could then accept deposits, of say £20 per player/parent, collect weekly payments, and administer expenditure. Could I have a volunteer please? - Note: Since this was originally written, Denise Morgan has volunteered to take on the treasurer's role.
Please let me have your feedback. Then maybe we can organise a meeting to discuss.
David Burdon 14th November 2004
