As a player, going on tour with my team mates every season is one of the many highlights, so as a parent to have the opportunity to continue that experience is fabulous.

For age grade teams there are many benefits for both player and parents from building social relationship, to playing new teams and taking part in activities away from the playing pitch. Below Darrell Laxton (Coach) provides insight into last season’s U11s tour to Minehead, which is one of the many organised tour bringing teams from all over the country to one place.

U11’s Minehead Rugby Tour 22-25th April

When Butlins was mooted as a rugby tour destination, most of us over a certain age instantly thought of Hi-de-Hi! Would we be terrorised by red coats to ‘enjoy ourselves’, shanghaied into knobbly knee competitions and whisked around the ballroom by blue-rinsed octogenarians?. Only time would tell.

So on Friday 22nd April, the U11’s apprehensively travelled down to Minehead to join rugby clubs from around the UK to take part in the Tigers Challenge. On arrival, our holiday weather optimism came crashing down to reality, quickly swapping t-shirts and shorts for trousers and woolly jumpers. Being next to the sea, we made the obligatory trip to the beach (which is directly opposite the complex), cut short as we retreated from the early onset of hypothermia. Rallying the troops, we convalesced in the pool, defrosting our bones in the tropical waters.

Our first match, in a pool of five, was scheduled for Saturday afternoon at the local Rugby Club. Due to the number of age groups and teams involved, the U11’s and U13’s were moved to additional pitches just down the road which were a little bit more ‘rural’ than we are used to, but everybody was in the same boat, so we cracked on. At the end of the day it didn’t really matter as we won all of our matches.

On Sunday, the pools were jiggled around so teams played a new mix based on the previous days results. Unfortunately it seemed we enjoyed ourselves rather too much the night before, struggling to get up steam for the mornings matches. After three really tough games, we came away with two losses and one win, which although disappointing, the boys could hold their heads up high as they played heroically throughout. All that was left for us to do was to get back, get changed, and head to the awards ceremony.

Credit where credit is due, Tigers and the challenge organisers ended the weekend on a high for the players, where other tournaments would just have fizzled out. After being politely patronised by Ex Tigers players Matthew Tait and Scott Hamilton, each team headed on to the stage to receive a medal and a trophy. Lutterworth’s U11’s, along with their world class coaching team, were cheered on extremely enthusiastically by their hydrated families. Many photos were taken, some were even in focus. All in all a great end to a fantastic weekend of rugby.

If you are thinking of going with your own age group then there are some negatives you need to be aware of. To start with, It’s a long way for a weekend, and the A39 from the M5 to Minehead is soul destroying if you are stuck behind a caravan or bus. The accommodation is serviceable but tired, and be prepared to queue for most things.

The Positives, however, far outweigh the negatives. Professional referees are used in every game for each age group, freeing up coaches to squint at the line markings. The app you can download is really good at managing the days play. You get to meet teams from every corner of the UK, widening playing experiences, as well as playing lots of rugby. Butlins itself is great for the kids, even younger siblings tagging along: The pool is fantastic with the flumes and lazy river; The fairground rides are very spinney and probably best to avoid after a few refreshments, but the kids love it; There is a lot of space to just to muck around. But most of all, it’s a great team building exercise, with friendships made for life, and fun is had by all. It is a great way to end a season.

Was it worth it? Lets just say we are organising a return visit next year already.

*****

Information for Lutterworth Teams

Are you planning a tour for your Rugby Team? Please take a look at the checklist provided by England Rugby which provides a starting point for guidance.

All Lutterworth Team MUST provide details of planned tour to club Secretary club Secretary Hannah Faulds.

All Lutterworth Age Grade Teams must complete the Leicestershire RU online form at least 4 week before touring, and send a copy to club Secretary Hannah Faulds. If you require any support or further info please do contact Hannah.

Further advice and guidance for Touring is provided by the Leic RU by following this link