Youth Rugby Information
Who are we?
Truro Rugby Club Youth Section is an open club for anyone aged 5 to 16 wishing to play Rugby Union.
We are an RFU Accredited Club, which means that all of our coaches are RFU trained and qualified and that we have passed the necessary accreditation from the RFU. We have an active development plan in place, which is regularly checked and updated, including annual club and county training and development sessions, to make sure our coaches can give our young people the very best experience.
We follow the RFU rules for playing rugby, which concentrate on the 5 core values: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. This is reflected across all aspects of Truro RFC.
Who are the Coaches?
Truro have an experienced pool of volunteer coaches, most of whom are parents and former players. RFU Coaching courses are run in Cornwall every year to enable new parents or former players to become qualified to a recognised national standard. As a club, we value our coaches and offer a wide range of development opportunities and support to enable them to continuously improve.
Richard Tucker, TRFC Coaching Co-ordinator
When is Youth Rugby played?
The season runs from the first Sunday in September until the last Sunday in April inclusively.
Training takes place on a Friday evening with games on a Sunday. We have a full fixtures calendar for the season, with games starting from 09:00 to 12:00 noon, played across our 2 pitches and lower field. Away games are played at similar times across Cornwall when we meet at the opposition's club. Directions are always available. Training and matches take place in all weathers, we rarely cancel as we know how important it is to our young players to get the game on!
What kit is required?
Match kits (shorts and socks) are provided once a player has registered, with match shirts provided each week by team coaches. We pride ourselves on the fact that every team in the club wears identical kit and which is replaced every three years, so our players feel a sense of pride and belonging in the shirt. We ask parents to take their turn in washing the team kit over the season. Rugby or football boots with the correct studs are required. The training kit can be purchased via the VX3 Kit Website.
Gum shields are mandatory, and head guards are also recommended for all players under 9 and above.
The RFU recommend that formulated mouth guards be purchased. It is suggested that parents seek the advice of coaches about any other equipment.
What facilities are available?
All youth players have access to the Club’s changing rooms and showers after training and matches. The Club has a bar which parents and children are welcome to use, and hot drinks and a wide range of snacks are available for spectators to buy. After inter-club fixtures, food is provided for the players.
Families are openly welcome to attend senior games and wider club events. Truro Rugby Club wants all members and families to have the benefits of being part of the club, and families often book facilities for private functions. Please ask Wendy, our Clubhouse Manager, for more information.
How much does it cost?
To start, we recommend that new children register, but don’t pay any membership fees for the first 4 weeks. This allows the child to settle in and ensures that they are happy before proceeding. After that time, membership is as follows: please note, if joining after Christmas, the membership fees for the season will be reduced.
Membership is £120 for each playing child, which covers use of club facilities, equipment, kit and RFU insurance. There is a sibling discount available. There are no other costs throughout the season. We also encourage parents to join as members of the club to benefit from the many activities that happen at the club.
Please note the reception group under 6's (Little Ruggers) only trains and therefore their membership fees are £75 a season.
For all GMS Registration and membership enquiries contact – Nik Tinney
How can parents/carers get involved?
Truro RFC is run entirely by volunteers, and we rely on these volunteers to keep the Youth Section running. There are therefore many ways that Parents, Carers, Relatives or Friends can get involved, for example, with first aid, joining/helping the Social Committee, Team Management or even Coaching. No experience is necessary as the Club can help in all aspects and even provide Coaching courses (leading to qualifications) if required. Please note that anyone coming into regular contact with the children will need to undergo a DBS check that is organised by the Club.
Richard Tucker, TRFC Coaching Co-ordinator
England Rugby Coaching Courses
How do I join?
Please contact the relevant manager for the age group to come and join a Friday training session, or join us on a Sunday. If you come on a Sunday, please ensure that the age group you wish to join are at home that weekend (fixtures link). Come into the clubhouse, and we will ensure that you meet up with the right age group.
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Standard School Year |
Age Group (Click link managers' contact details) |
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Reception |
Under 6s |
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Year 1 (From 6th Birthday) & Year 2 |
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Year 3 |
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Year 4 |
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Year 5 |
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Year 6 |
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Year 7 |
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Year 8 |
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Year 9 |
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Year 10 |
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Year 11 |
Under 6 rugby
This is all about introducing our youngest players to feeling part of the club and a team sport. Skills focus on fundamental movements and building confidence in all players. This is a great stepping stone towards mini rugby. They train every Sunday at home.
What is Tag (or Mini) Rugby?
Tag Rugby is played by 6 to 8-year-olds on a small pitch. It is non-contact, so players wear tags attached with Velcro that need to be pulled off by another player instead of being tackled. When a tag is removed, the ball should be passed. This allows the young players to concentrate on improving their ball-handling skills and team play whilst also retaining the excitement and agility of the full game. We play matches every week, home or away, with the actual game lasting no more than 10 minutes each way.
What is Midi Rugby?
Midi Rugby is designed to be a progressive and controlled method of teaching basic rugby skills so that by the age of 13, players are ready for the full 15-a-side game. Players are organised into four age groups – Under 9 to Under 12. In line with the latest English RFU continuum, the emphasis is on safety, and tackling is not introduced until the under-9 level. Matches against other clubs take place every week, home or away, but the emphasis is very much on the development of skills and enjoyment rather than purely on results.
What is Junior Rugby?
At 13 years of age, players move up to junior rugby, playing 15-a-side games on a full-size pitch. Juniors play up to under-16s when they can then move into our Colts side.
We offer rugby for girls as well, up to the age of 12, and they will play in their age group as part of a mixed squad. Progression is then to the under-14 and under-16 squads with their own dedicated coach. Cornwall has a well-established development programme for girls interested in developing their skills further.
Youth Rugby Documents
Truro RFC – Safeguarding Guidance for Parents (2025/2026 Season)
In line with RFU Regulation 21 and CRFU Safeguarding Policy
Safeguarding in a sports club means protecting children and vulnerable individuals from harm, abuse, or neglect. It involves creating a safe, respectful environment where everyone can enjoy sport, supported by clear policies, trained staff, and proper reporting procedures. Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across coaches, volunteers, and parents.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
At Truro RFC, we are proud of the safe, inclusive, and enjoyable environment we provide for our young players. While most weekends pass without incident, we recognise that safeguarding concerns may occasionally arise. These must be handled appropriately, respectfully, and in accordance with RFU and CRFU safeguarding procedures.
We ask that all safeguarding concerns follow the process outlined below:
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Initial Resolution Within Age Group
If you have a concern, please raise it with your age group’s coaches or manager. If the matter can be resolved within the group and all parties are satisfied, it may be considered closed. -
Escalation to Club Safeguarding Lead
If further support is needed, or if resolution is not possible within the age group, please get in touch with the Club Safeguarding Officer. A full understanding of the concern will be sought, and we will work collaboratively to find a resolution. -
Referral to TRFC Chairman and CRFU
If the matter remains unresolved, it will be referred to the TRFC Chairman. Where appropriate, we will liaise with the Cornwall RFU (CRFU) to determine next steps. -
Escalation to RFU
In exceptional cases, and in consultation with CRFU, the matter may be referred to the RFU Safeguarding Team, in accordance with 1.
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Safeguarding is Everyone’s Responsibility
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All adults involved in rugby — coaches, managers, parents, and volunteers — share the responsibility for creating a safe environment for children -
Respect for Match Officials
In junior rugby, the referee is the sole match official. Touch judges are not recognised as formal officials. Adults must not confront referees; respectful dialogue is essential. -
Duty of Care
Coaches must act if they believe a player is at risk. Continuing in a harmful environment may be interpreted as condoning unsafe conditions. -
Extreme Situations
In rare cases, if dangerous behaviour persists despite discussion with the referee and opposition coaches, the coaching team may decide to withdraw players from the field. This action should only be taken as a last resort and must be reported formally to the Club Safeguarding Officer. -
DBS and Training Compliance
1.
All adults working in regulated activity with children must be DBS cleared and complete RFU safeguarding awareness training. Clubs must complete the annual safeguarding audit via GMS by 24 October 2025 -
Confidentiality and Reporting
All safeguarding concerns must be reported promptly and handled confidentially. The Club Safeguarding Officer will liaise with the appropriate bodies as needed.
Thank you for your continued support in making Truro RFC a safe and welcoming environment for all.
To view our policies, please click on the link Safeguarding
Tim Brocklebank
TRFC Club Safeguarding Officer – Here to help you…
07980295510
timbrocklebank@gmail.com
