Honours Board

Main Squad Sponsor

Manager: Ben Macer

Head Coach: Clive Stuart-Smith

Coaches: John Ash, Lee Beard, Kent Davies, Gareth Gale, Bill Holloway, Fabrizio Nicosia, Paul Workman

First Aid: tba

Contact: gro.sregitmahnetlehc|reganam11u#gro.sregitmahnetlehc|reganam11u

About the Squad

The under 11s squad at Cheltenham has grown in size over the last two seasons. We now have over 35 registered players associated with us and run two very successful teams within the squad. Players of all abilities are welcome to join. We are the current Gloucestershire County Cup Champions !

We have seven qualified coaches to help to make sure the players enjoy the games throughout the season and compete in various tournaments and festivals.

See the photo gallery for match action this season !

Our squad comprises in excess of 30 players for the 2009-10 season. Accordingly, we will run two teams in accordance with the RFU Continuum: Tigers and Barbarians. The selection policy of the squad is based on the following basic criteria :-

1. Player safety is paramount. No player should be unduly exposed to injury risk as a result of mis-selection.
2. Player enjoyment. The players should all feel part of an inclusive squad and be able to contribute to a successful age group.
3. Player development. Individuals should be able to progress and develop in their rugby careers, at a pace that is appropriate to the individual.

Ability, attitude and commitment vary hugely in a large squad (regardless of age). For this reason we will sub-divide the squad appropriately for both training and matches. Whilst some skills training can (and will) be done with the whole squad, we find that mixing abilities does not work for anyone – the less able players are unable to keep up with the more able and conversely the better players become frustrated with their team-mates. However, in order that players do not become unfairly pigeon-holed, the coaches will hold regular review sessions at which teams may be updated – movement will occur between teams where it is deemed appropriate.

Additionally, we recognise that rugby is a late development sport and that losing, when managed positively, can help player development in the long term. We will not adopt a “winning is everything” mentality within the squad.

Attitude

Rugby is a game that requires courage, discipline and respect for others. We aim to reinforce and foster this in all players, emphasising and encouraging positive behaviour in all players. Ill-discipline, foul play or other breaches will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with appropriately.

Ability

Competition is inherent in rugby, and whilst we strive to ensure that all players are included, good performance will be recognised and rewarded where possible. Whilst turning in a good performance is the best way to catch the selector’s eye, ability alone does not guarantee a place. All players are encouraged to aspire to reach the top, whilst those already there must guard against resting on laurels. Mini rugby is all about player development, and we hope to help all players reach their full potential.

Attendance

A record of attendance is kept each week, as is a record of who is selected for competitive fixtures/tournaments. In this way, we aim to ensure that all players have an equal opportunity to play at an appropriate level. No player can expect to play in every game. Furthermore, just as no player can expect a place in the team just by turning up on the day, commitment will be rewarded with opportunity.

Attendance, and the circumstances surrounding attendance, will be taken into account and the final decision is at the coaches' discretion.

Selection Policy Summary

1. Selection for teams is entirely at the discretion of the age group managers and coaches. The three main criteria that underpin these decisions are ability, attitude and attendance (see definitions above).
2. We will select the strongest teams for all tournaments, festivals and selected fixtures (unless specifically requested by other clubs or as circumstances dictate).
3. Players will be moved between teams based on merit based on the criteria above.
4. We aim to be transparent in our selection policy – in order to foster a total squad, and not simply 2 unrelated teams.
5. We will contact other, similar clubs from time to time to review and benchmark our policy.