On Sunday 28th April over 750 players from 52 teams across Surrey came together to contest the finals of the Surrey Rugby U12 Waterfall Cup, marking the culmination of a tournament that started back in January. Similar tournaments have been run by Surrey across all of the junior age groups with the finals for each group hosted by a different club.

Rugby has had something of a difficult time in the media over recent years, but regardless of claims that English rugby is a sport in crisis and with football still by far the biggest participation sport for children, it was evident as the teams gathered at Camberley RFC in Surrey that there is still a strong and committed following for rugby at a grassroots level. In spite of the unseasonably cold and wet morning, the air of excitement from players, parents and coaches was clear to see.

The first matches kicked off at 10am, to a loud cheer from the crowd. The energy levels and enthusiasm didn’t drop throughout the day as teams continued to arrive for their start times and those finishing their games headed for some well-earned refreshments in the clubhouse.

Graham, head coach for Old Reigatian RFC U12s who had brought two teams to the finals, said “It’s fantastic to see so many clubs represented today and to catch up with other teams that we’ve played throughout the season. All of the players here today have worked so hard throughout the season and it’s fantastic to see how much they have enjoyed their first season of competitive rugby and how much they have developed.” He added “The RFU really emphasises the importance of the TREDS (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment Discipline and Sportsmanship) principles for rugby and that was evident today with players giving 100% in some very competitive matches, but with the teams showing their opposition and the referees enormous respect and congratulating each other regardless of the outcome. Rugby’s the ultimate team game and hopefully the values they learn will serve them well for years after they stop playing.”

So, are parents concerned about their children participating? I put the question to Louisa, who was watching intently from the sidelines. “My son’s been playing rugby since he was 6 and he absolutely loves it. There’s no getting away from the fact that rugby’s a physical sport, but the coaches put a lot of effort into player safety and what my son gets out of it in terms of enjoyment, friendships and a sense of achievement just isn’t matched by any other sport he plays”. Looking around the pitches at the players laughing and celebrating with their teammates long after the games had finished, it was clear that it was a feeling shared by many others!