We presently have c.62 players. Many have been playing rugby since they were U6 or U7, but several have joined in recent seasons, including 6 new members this year (5 of whom are new to the sport). Rugby at this age level is full contact, i.e. tackling, rucking and mauling so we place a key emphasis on safety and teaching the proper tackle (and being tackled!) technique as a core foundation for all newcomers.

We are coached by over a dozen volunteers (parents) all of whom have undertaken prescribed RFU safeguarding, coaching and concussion management courses, and are DBS checked. Many have themselves played for TWRFC as adults, and/or for schools, universities, or for other clubs including (even!) professionally.

TRAINING
Training takes place primarily every Sunday at 9am or 10.30am, for 90 minutes at the St Marks Ground. We may also use the 3G pitch at the Tunbridge Wells Sports Centre on St. Johns Road when weather/demands for pitch space require. There is also midweek training for those that can make it, likely to be Thursday evenings at c.7pm for 90 minutes (at the club in September, then a local school thereafter. Venue and times are TBA).

The first training session will be on Sunday 6th September 2026 and will continue every Sunday morning until early May 2027, with the exception of Easter and Christmas.

We give advance notice and reminders via the Spond app and a parent’s Whatsapp group.

MATCHES
We have entered 3 teams in the Kent Waterfall Leagues. Each team will have a squad of 18-20, with 12 players on the pitch and rolling subs. Every squad member will play at least half a game. All teams are streamed by ability, and selection is under constant review as the season develops. There are 10 fixtures a season (5 before Xmas and 5 after), and we will also play warm-up/training friendlies against local clubs.

Games last 40 minutes (2 x 20min halves), and kick off at c.11am on Sundays. Matches are against clubs across all of Kent and can be home or away, so may involve some travel. There is a warm-up beforehand and food/socialising/Man of the match awards afterwards. The schedule and locations will be announced in early September.

TOUR
This is the first season we can as U12s organise our own tour just for our cohort. Planning is underway and the location (likely to be non-local in the UK, or even northern Europe) is TBA. It is likely to be for Friday-Monday in or around the Easter holidays in 2027. Details to follow.

KIT
Shirts/Clothing – Playing shirts and shorts are available on the Kit shop link on the club website and other kit (and boots ) can be purchased at the excellent second hand shop that operates in front of the club house on most Sunday mornings (and socks can also be bought from the club café), or new from the club online shop.

We are very exposed to the elements at the club; so please remember “layers for players”. Base layers/skins are a very good idea. Please no hoodies to train/play, even in colder weather, as these can be grabbed or pulled at a neck level which is a safety issue.

Gum shields must be worn. There are many excellent modestly prices ones mouldable at home (Opro are good, other brands are available). We reckon a child loses one a season on average so best buy (and bring) a spare (and the "forget" them more frequently!).

Gloves – Full fingered gloves are NOT PERMITTED by the RFU [Regs §4.4(e]. “Mitts” i.e. fingerless gloves, are permitted (§4.3(d)) . Our view is that mitts do not assist players, and can hinder catching as they get “shiny” quickly and are often hopeless when wet.

Boots – Football boots are fine provided they do not have the sharper versions of “blade” style studs. This is a minefield – as there are so many types – please check the easy guide here:https://keepyourbootson.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Boots-Studes-Blades-RugbySafe-Essential-Guide-2019.pdf

3G Footwear – When we occasionally train on the 3G where no trainers, no metal studs, and no blades are permitted. Ideally moulded non-blade plastic studs or astro-shoes/boots are the safest option.

Scrum Caps – professional opinion is divided; there is little evidence that they prevent concussions, but we appreciate some may prefer their child to wear one. Whilst they may help the confidence of some in contact, for others it can lead to a false sense of security. It is a personal matter for the parent.

MEMBERSHIP
We do require membership registration and payment of subscription fees by the end of September if your son is going to remain for the whole season. For new starters, they can have a couple of “taster” sessions without signing up formally, to ensure both player and parents are happy before committing.

For present members, you will be used to the regular reminders of registration deadlines/admin required!

If you any questions, please do not hesitate to email either myself or any of the coaching team below. No question is a silly one, and if we don’t know the answer then we will make sure we find the right person at the club who does!

Harry Oliver and Tim Mole - Joint Head Coaches.