Wednesday 17 December 2008

First session in 2009

The first session back after the Christmas and New Year festivities will be on 10th January. A time for the session will be announced at a later stage.

Sunday 14 December 2008

Chip Shop finale to 2008
















I think all the players deserve a break over Christmas and the New Year! Thinking back it is brilliant to see how far all the boys have progressed, I think they can all be rightly proud of their achievements!

Thanks must go to Emma for organising the Chip Shop spectacular which was great fun and enjoyed by everyone!

Thanks also to Scott (Lucas dad) for the photographs.










Wednesday 10 December 2008

Plans for Saturday morning

The tides are favourable this weekend for us. We will have a session at 9.30 at the beach which we will aim to last for an hour. After that those interested can come down to Covellis for a lovely chip christmas party. Cost of this as per previous postings.

This will be our last session for 2008, Grant and his coaching staff would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2009.

Friday 5 December 2008

Training at the park cancelled

Due to the miserable weather conditions, we are sorry to have to call the training session off.

More information on the session on the 13th to be posted later this week.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused.

Tuesday 2 December 2008

Change of venue for Saturday!

Due to the high tide at 11.30am this Saturday (6th December), we have no option but to cancel the training this week. However we are offering another session at 9.30am Saturday at Underhill park instead. We will meet at the top end of the park, near the car park. Please note, if you wish your child to take part this Saturday they must have boots for Health and Safety reasons.

We are also aware that there is not a particularly good forecast for the weekend, so please keep an eye on the blog for last minute cancellations, we will either call the session off on Friday evening or early Saturday morning. Please check here before venturing down!

We have only had a handful of people who are keen on the event for the following Saturday at Covellis - please contact Grant, Emma or myself if you wish to come along - we need to know numbers!

Thursday 27 November 2008

Christmas Party for the beach rugby team!

Great news!

Rubens Mum, Emma has arranged for all the team to go to Covellis Fish and Chip shop (Newton Road, Mumbles) for a Christmas Party. This will take place on the 13th December straight after the training session that morning.

Emmas Dad who is the new owner of Covellis has kindly offered to open up and cook especially for us, we are really grateful.

The cost for this event will be £4 per child. This will include food, selection box and a Christmas cracker. We will need to know numbers for this event, so could you please either inform Grant, or myself so we can let Emma know how many we need to cater for.

Please let us know by Saturday 6th December at the latest!

Training on the 13th December will be the last one before the Christmas festivities and also Grant tells me he is keen to go shopping to stock up on mince pies and chocolates. We will start back on the 3rd January.

Monday 24 November 2008

Progress being made!

Well done to all the players this week.

We witnessed some great running and tagging during the games of bulldog and tag. Also the skill levels of the players are getting better and better as the weeks pass.

If any of the parents have any photos from the sessions email them to me and I shall put them up on the blog, it really helps to motivate the players seeing some action shots of them on the blog. mathrees@btinternet.com

Same time same place next week, 9.30am saturday morning.

Monday 17 November 2008

A Successful training session

Sadly, I was unable to make the session on Saturday due to a severe case of Man Flu. However Grant tells me that the players had a really good session and he was delighted with them remembering some of the new skills they learned last week.

We will try to keep the sessions similar in nature each week with some warm up activities and then leave some good time for a game of "Bulldogs" and a proper game to finish off.

The tide is favourable for this Saturday 22nd November, we shall aim for a 9.30am start.

Coaches tip to work on: Remember to stop and hold the tag high up in the air and shout "TAG!" when you manage to tag another player.

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Tides ok this Saturday

We will be aiming to start at 10am this Saturday.

See you all then!

Sunday 9 November 2008

Smashing weather for first session!

Well done to everyone who braved the weather conditions at Caswell, a cold, windy day with one heavy downpour - if we can cope with those conditions, I am sure we can cope with anything!

Congratualtions to Ruben, Tom C, Alex, Luca, Charlie, Oliver, Evan, Jack C-W, Ceiron, Jack P, Ioan, Joe, Lewis, Ewan and Tom R.

All the coaches were really impressed with the boys and we are sure that we have the basis of a great team in the making.

Grant was especially impressed with the rousing rendition of "Rain, rain go away, come again another day!"

Well done boys - keep up the good work!

Details of next saturdays session to be posted later in the week...

If I have missed any of the boys names who played yesterday from the list, please email me, mathrees@btinternet.com

Monday 3 November 2008

First session this Saturday morning!

We have had the green light from head coach Grant and the first session will commence on Saturday (8th November) morning at 9.30 am on Caswell Beach. Those interested need only bring trainers and probably a track suit to keep warm, no real need for boots on the beach. We are aiming to finish by 10.30am.

We look forward to meeting everyone then!

What do I do if its raining?

The point of the beach is so that we don't have to worry about water-logged muddy pitches, so we aim to play most of the time.

If it is raining lightly, and it isn't windy, we may well carry on. But if it gets heavier or windy we'll call it a day. Most importantly, if your child does not want to come don't drag them along in a force 10 gale! Let them take a break and do it in their own time.

Always remember to check the blog. If it is definitely cancelled, or the times are different, then it will be posted here.

Friday 10 October 2008

Beach rugby is coming back!

Rugby for year ones (under 6 at the beginning of Septemeber) will soon return under the guiding light of Grant and Phil. Yes, Phil and Grant.

More details will be posted here. The provisional start date is 1st Nov.

Monday 18 August 2008

New Season, New Day, New Venue, New Name!

Welcome Back!

The Beach Rugby team are moving on, so welcome to the MUMBLES WILDCATS RFC and their first season of rugby. The Wildcats are for all players starting School Year 2 in September, ie those Under 7s at the start of September.

The date for the diary is Sunday 7th September. This is the first registration day and first training session for the team at Underhill Park, starting at 9:30.

The first match will be a warm up against the under 8s on September 14th. After that we will try and alternate training and exciting matches all over Swansea.

More details will be circulated at the start of the season. We move to a new Wildcats Website HERE soon, and will pass this one on to the new beach rugby coaches when they take over the new year 1s later in the year.

Spread the word - especially to other Schools if you can.

Saturday 14 June 2008

Sossies on the beach


This morning was a long way from where we started, in January, with rain sweeping across the bay. The boys played a game of 5 a-side on their own, to proper tag rules. And after the compulsory bulldogs, Helen's BBQ was a great way to finish the season. Thanks to all parents for supporting and all boys for listening and getting stuck in. Thanks for the card and the wine. Something I am actually able to drink reasonable quantities of on a Friday night from now on.

I hope you will all be back. We will be advertising so spread the word. The traditional catchment includes Newton, Oystermouth, Whitestone and Mayals, but everyone is welcome. Tom played in the u8s with boys from 9 schools this year and the mix is one fo the great things about club rugby. The beach sessions, targetted at the next cohort of year 1s, will hopefully be back sometime next year.

So. The end, for now. We'll be back at the end of August / beginning of September down underhill park, every Sunday at 9:30. Mumbles U7s. With a full fixture list. And a new name!

Monday 9 June 2008

Sat 14th Farewell to the Beach


The last training session of the season will take place next Saturday (14th June) at our usual spot on Caswell, 9:30.

Please make sure you come along, everyone who has been to any of the beach rugby mornings is welcome. Helen will be organising the breakfast BBQ. There will be a little presentation ceremony for the players and we will give out some information about the plans for the team when the new season starts in the Autumn.

Don't miss our last beach get together - soon it will be wellies and mud at the park!

Monday 19 May 2008

Beach Party! Now on the 14th, Underhill Park on 7th.



Change of plan for the last two weeks of the season. Sorry for not being clear. This is the plan....

Saturday 7th June
Unfortunately the tide is right in and we would not be able to play until the afternoon (when it would be too busy). So we will postpone the BBQ and just have a training session at Underhill Park at 9:30 instead. This will be the penultimate session.

Saturday 14th June
Last Saturday of rugby for the season, plus breakfast bar-b-que, plus coaches review of the season (!), plus plans for next year, plus little presentation to the boys for all their efforts. This will be at our home on Caswell Beach at 9:30. Next week I'll send round details of BBQ stuff that you might need to bring.

Even if you can't make the park on the 7th, please try and make the BBQ on the 14th. Everyone that has been to any session is welcome, and it doesn't matter if they have taken a break at all. Please spread the word, it will make for a great end to the beach rugby.

Wednesday 14 May 2008

Back to the beach

Despite some protestations from those that enjoyed the park last week, we are back on the beach on Saturday. 9:30.

If it starts to get busy on the beach we'll make a permanent move to Underhill. Not so good for the washing I know, but better for the rugby.

Thursday 8 May 2008

Saturday 10th: New Venue

Change of plan for this Saturday. High tide is at 10:50, and there will be no sand for us all morning. So we will meet for training at Underhill Park at 9:30. We will play on the top rugby pitch, right by the carpark, so meet there. Unfortunately, latte and croissants will not be served. Think of it as practice for next winter and bring a thermos. And wellies.

I am hoping it doesn't rain all day Friday, so that after the recent nice weather the ground should be firm and trainers should be fine. If any of the boys have rugby boots (maybe from older brothers) they could give them a go but I don't think they'll be essential. If it is a mudbath we'll have to call it off.

If you bump into any of the other players please let them know the plans in case they miss the blog.

Sunday 27 April 2008

Beach Rugby Back On...

Next Saturday. 9:30. Be there.

Sunday 20 April 2008

A lie in...

....next Sunday. The tides couldn't be more awkward. Back in action the following week. A few parents have asked how long we are keeping going? As long as you want really. The plan at the moment is to go up until half term (end of May) and have a re-think after that.

You may be interested in a fund-raising night at Mumbles Rugby Club next Saturday. It is organised by the parents of the under 7s and 8s, live music by The Contenders, raffle etc. 8 till late. See Mike for tickets or £5 at the door.

Monday 14 April 2008

Back in the saddle

Great to see the boys back in action on Saturday. There was no Easter hangover (from all the chocolate), a good turnout and their game continues to take shape. It was even slightly warmer. Skills to work on: the idea of the forward pass and knock-on.

Tides next week are in our favour again, so it is a 9:30 start.

Monday 7 April 2008

Training Resumes This Week

After the Easter break, we are back in rugby action next Saturday (12th April). I bet you've been missing the coffee and croissants.

Due to the tides we will start at 9:30. If you see any of the team about or at the school gate please give them a reminder in case they haven't checked the blog.

Wednesday 19 March 2008

Easter Break

Great turnout again on Saturday, and the day turned into a real rugby-fest, what with the Ospreys winning the grandslam and all. We've had 9 weeks now and the boys have earned a rest. We won't play over Easter, and to make it easier we will start up again after school is back. That is Saturday 12th April I think. Check here for tide times. 9:30 if possible. No excuse for not practising though - I expect to see improved ball handling skills when we get back.

Sunday 9 March 2008

Why rugby should be a summer sport...

on the beach anyway. It was blowing a gale across Caswell this week, but the boys still wanted one last game of bulldogs before the rain came. Well done to Max, Owen, Myles, Arthur, Tom H, Duncan, Jamie and Tom. The tag game was excellent, with several sequences of 4 or more passes.

Rugby skill to work on: supporting the player carrying the ball on your team so when he is tagged you are close to him and he can pass to you.

Next week (Match 15th), 9:30 start again.

Rugby Gloves
Thinking about the cold weather, some players find that rugby mitts help a bit. They are by no means essential, and some are quite expensive (with the better weather hopefully around the corner). If you are asked to get some, by far the best value I have seen can be found by clicking here.

Monday 3 March 2008

March 8th 9:30 Start

The tides are OK for a 9:30 start again next week. It was nice to see a new face, Max, this week. If you know any other budding Shane Williams (or Adam Jones for that matter) they'd be welcome to join in. The boys listened particularly well this week.
Things for the team to work on: when you get tagged, don't panic, look for someone on your team, and pass them the ball. .

Saturday 23 February 2008

9:30 Next Week

Another good turn out this morning and the boys are listening and learning fast. Next week (1st March) there is a 11:30 high tide. I hope that means we can get a session in, starting at 9:30 prompt, before we lose our pitch into the sea. We'll play as long as we can in any case.

Monday 18 February 2008

10:30 Start Next Week



High tide again next Saturday (23rd Feb). So to be safe we'll have a 10:30 start. This week's photos courtesy of Duncan's Mum. Lots of smiley faces!

Monday 11 February 2008

9:30 Start next week

Some decent weather at last, and the team managed their first game of tag rugby! Marginally less chaotic than I had feared, so well done to all the boys for listening and getting stuck in. It is a great acheivement for them after only a couple of weeks introduction.

Next week (16th Feb) the tides are in our favour and we will start at 9:30. I know it is a pain to not have a fixed time, but as long as the tide is out, 9:30 will be the kick off. That way the session doesn't eat too much into the day, and also the beach is much quieter and we have plenty of room.

Tuesday 5 February 2008

Sat 9th Feb 10:30 start

High tide is 7:50, so we should be OK by then. See you there.

Saturday 2 February 2008

Young Mumbles Brave The Cold



Well done to Tom H, Tom C, Tom R, Aidan, Arthur, Lloyd, Byddea, Owen, Ewan, Duncan, Sam and Jamie for enthusiastic running, tagging and even listening this morning. Thanks to Tom G, Cian and parents for support. See you next week (High tide at 8:00, so will go for a later start - check here later this week for time).

Tuesday 29 January 2008

Saturday 2nd Feb

Beach rugby is on again this Saturday. Tide is definitely out this time! See you there 9:30.

Thanks to children and parents for being so patient last week. Having a nice cafe and rocks to climb with your friends certainly helps, but I didn't expect everyone to wait an hour and a quarter, and I didn't expect the team to have much energy left when we got underway. How wrong can you get? We made a good start though, so hope to see everyone back next week. We'll always aim for 9:30 if possible, but will make much more of an allowance for the high tides. On Saturday we will try and get straight into the session. Remember if the children have a good run and are worn out, you can have a peaceful afternoon in front of the 6 Nations. Just hope that the Wales performance doesn't put them off rugby.

Sunday 20 January 2008

Saturday 26th Jan

Beach rugby resumes next Saturday, Caswell Bay in front of the steps. Because of the tides, we'll be starting at 10:00 and aim to be finished by 10:45 at the latest.

Friday 18 January 2008

What happens if it is raining?

The last thing we want to do is put the children off in really bad weather.

The point of the beach is so that we don't have to worry about water-logged muddy pitches, so we aim to play most of the time. If it is raining lightly, and it isn't windy, we may well carry on. But if it gets heavier or windy we'll call it a day. Most importantly, if your child does not want to come don't drag them along in a force 10 gale! Let them take a break and do it in their own time.

Always remember to check the blog. If it is definitely cancelled, or the times are different, then it will be posted here.

Tuesday 15 January 2008

First Beach Rugby Session

Saturday 19th January 9:30 Caswell Bay in front of the steps.

I guess there’ll only be a few of us for the first one, but I am sure it will build up. Spread the word!