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Welcome to Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, where we run a full Minis' Rugby section for boys and girls aged 5 to 12, along with Junior sections for ages 13 to 16.
Our dedicated coaches, many of whom are current senior team players, are all RFU-qualified, ensuring your child receives the best possible guidance and support.
At Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, we prioritize the needs of our players, fostering an environment where every individual can develop to their fullest potential. As an established community-based rugby club, we take pride in offering first-class sports and social facilities to Royal Wootton Bassett and the surrounding areas.
Our main goal is to ensure every player and parent has a fantastic time at the club while embracing the core values of rugby union: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.
Here are some essential details to get you started:
WHEN?
The playing season runs from the first Sunday in September to the second Sunday in May. Training or fixtures take place on Sundays (weather and pitch conditions permitting) both home and away, except during Christmas and Easter breaks.
Minis training (Under 6s to Under 12s) is held on Sunday mornings between 10am and 11.30pm.
Juniors training (Under 13s to Under 16s boys) takes place on specified weekday evenings, with matches usually held on Sundays.
Please see our Girls Rugby page for information about our Under 12W to Under 18W Ravens teams.
WHERE?
The club is located at Ballards Ash Sports Ground on Malmesbury Road in Royal Wootton Bassett. There is ample free parking available on-site.
Our full address is:
Royal Wootton Bassett RFC, Ballards Ash Sports Ground, Malmesbury Road, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire SN4 8DS
To maintain the safety and cleanliness of our sports grounds and clubhouse, we strictly prohibit dogs on the pitches and in the clubhouse. Please respect this policy when visiting our facilities.
Parents/carers are expected to remain on-site during training sessions or matches to support their children and be available in case of any injury. You are very welcome to use the clubhouse.
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HOW TO JOIN?
We offer free taster sessions to new players for their first four weeks of training. It's an excellent opportunity for your child to experience rugby and see how they enjoy it. Simply come along and participate - our Team Managers will then guide you through the membership process and discuss joining fees.
WHAT TO BRING?
Make sure your child brings a water bottle and appropriate sportswear.
Studded rugby (or football) boots are essential footwear for playing on the pitch. We strongly recommend the use of a gumshield during contact training or matches for players aged Under 9 and above. Some players may also choose to wear a scrum hat.
If your child has asthma, inhalers should be labeled with their name and brought to every session.
Since rugby is a winter sport, consider providing waterproofs and warm clothing for both players and parents. Keep in mind that muddy kit and boots are not allowed in the Clubhouse, so having a clean change of clothes in a kit bag is a good idea.
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CLUB KIT
Our Minis & Juniors Club Shop is managed by Michael Hope and offers a range of playing shirts, shorts, socks, and more. Adult sizes are also available. Orders can be collected from Michael Hope or delivered for free direct to the club for you to collect. For this, choose the 'delivery to school/club' option. Orders can also be sent to your home address for an additional postage fee.
For our Junior teams, a club kit is provided for playing matches and must be handed in at the end of each game.
A club tie, white shirt, and black trousers are usually worn by players after each game.
WEATHER PREPARATION
Rugby is a winter sport, and while we do our best to facilitate sessions in the rain, it's essential for players to dress appropriately for the conditions. When the weather gets cold and wet, ensure your child is suitably dressed to avoid interrupting training sessions.
If wet weather arrives, players should change before entering the clubhouse, removing studded or bladed footwear before walking on the patio or inside. Wet or muddy clothes and footwear should be removed before entering the clubhouse, and kit bags should be kept outside or in the reception area.
If lightning is forecast or pitches are deemed unsuitable for play, sessions may be cancelled at late notice, so please stay informed through our communication channels.
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TEAM COMMUNICATIONS
Our Team Managers will organize team communications through Whatsapp Communities.
Important club-wide communications will either be sent via Whatsapp or by email. You will find it useful to follow our social accounts to stay informed about club news and last-minute communications:
- Facebook: facebook.com/RWBRFC
- Twitter: twitter.com/RWBassetRFC
- Instagram: instagram.com/RWBRFC
- Threads: @rwbrfc@threads.net
Our club website www.rwbrfc.club is a valuable resource for staying up-to-date with events and news around the club. You'll find fixtures, results, match reports, details of club events, social activities, and contact information for team representatives from each age group.
FIXTURES & TOURS
All our teams participate in regular club fixtures, competitive tournaments, and rugby festivals against other clubs in the area. The season's fixtures are arranged in advance, and information will be shared by your Team Manager.
Rugby tours are a cherished tradition at our club, and each year, the entire Minis section goes on tour together, usually at Easter, for a full weekend of fun and rugby somewhere in the UK. It's an excellent opportunity for players, parents, and coaches to bond and create lasting memories.
Our Junior teams (Under 13s and above) organise their own rugby tours in the UK or abroad, which further strengthen team bonds and offer new experiences on and off the field.
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HEALTH & SAFETY
We take health and safety seriously at our club, with trained first aiders available each week to address on-field injuries. Parents are expected to remain on-site during training sessions or matches to support their children and be available in case of any injury.
Our coaches are also qualified first aiders, and during the season, we run courses in First Aid and Child Welfare. As a parent, if you are interested in attending these courses or volunteering to assist the club, please contact our Director of Rugby.
If your child is ill or injured, please inform your Coaches or Team Manager so that they can tailor their session accordingly. A downloadable copy of our Safeguarding Policies Document can be found on our website (www.rwbrfc.club/information/documents), which aligns with the current RFU Safeguarding policies and procedures. For any questions or concerns, reach out to our Club's Child Welfare Officer.
DISCIPLINE
Playing rugby involves some risks, and we maintain a firm but fair approach to discipline. If a child's conduct becomes unacceptable or dangerous, they will receive an explanation and be asked to refrain from the behaviour. If the behaviour persists, they may be instructed to sit out the session for ten minutes. In case of continued misbehaviour, your Team Manager or Coach will discuss the matter with the child's parent or carer.
Swearing, in any form, is not tolerated by children or accompanying adults. We encourage you to read our Parent Charter Booklet, available in the clubhouse or online at www.rwbrfc.club/information/documents, to help us create a safe and enjoyable environment for all children.
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PARENTAL SUPPORT
Your support as parents is essential for your child's rugby journey. We believe the time spent travelling to and from rugby sessions can be a valuable bonding opportunity. When offering feedback to your child, focus on their progress and effort rather than the outcome, as outcomes are often beyond their control. Words of encouragement like 'Play hard!' and 'Enjoy yourself!' before a game, or 'How did you play?' and 'Did you enjoy yourself?' after a game, can make a significant difference. Above all, the best six words a child can hear after playing are 'I love to watch you play.'
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES
Our club is entirely run by volunteers, and we rely on our members to lend a hand when needed. There may be weeks when we are short on volunteers for various tasks, and we appreciate your willingness to step up when asked. If you are interested in getting more involved with training, team management, or general administration, we would very much welcome your contribution! please talk to your Team Manager or our M&Js Chairman to learn more about volunteering opportunities.
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REGISTRATION AND FEES
For new members, we offer four weeks of free training to allow them to experience rugby and determine if they enjoy the game before committing. However, once they decide to join, it is a club requirement for all participating adults and children to become fully paid-up members. This ensures that players under our care are protected by our youth section rules and covered by relevant insurance. You can find more information and fees at www.rwbrfc.club/information/membership-fees.
Once membership is processed, club members can request an RWBRFC Membership Card, enabling cashless payments for drinks and snacks at the bar and kiosk, with a 12% discount on purchases. You can add funds to the card over the bar or top-up credit online before visiting the club.
WHO'S WHO IN THE CLUB?
In addition to your team's Manager and Coaches, you may meet other officials from the wider club. A comprehensive list of club contacts is displayed inside the clubhouse.
Finally, welcome to the Royal Wootton Bassett RFC family! We are thrilled to have you and your child join our club. We strive to provide an enjoyable and rewarding rugby experience for everyone involved, and we look forward to creating lasting memories together.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to our team. Let's make this season a fantastic one!
