Derby RFC

Derby Colts Introduction

Welcome to the Derby Colts Web Page we run two teams - Senior Colts (U19 + U18) and Junior Colts (U17). Both teams train together on the same nights as we believe this aids development and continuity.

The Coaching Team aim to build on the good work completed by the Junior section; it will further develop the core skills of our Colts Players through building on strengths in their rugby playing ability & assessing and addressing any weaknesses.

To achieve this there should be a clear emphasis on player development in key areas such as;

• Handling, Tackling, Decision Making, Fitness, Agility etc,
• Position specific skill training,
• Mini skills: Line out, Scrummage, defence, Attack, Rucking, Mauling etc,
• Team work
• Also make training enjoyable yet challenging

A more professional structure has been implemented that has clear aims and objectives to:

1. Encourage players to stay at the club because they will be able to recognise the coaching offered is of a high standard and delivered with a player centred approach
2. Inspire other younger players to progress onto playing for the colts.
3. Produce young players that in the future will be capable of playing 1st & senior Team Rugby
4. Produce competitive teams for both local and national competitions.
5. Develop a reputation locally that would be inviting to other local players whose teams may have disbanded and so would welcome the opportunity to join Derby RFC.

The aims are to:

1. Improve the quality of fixtures that the Colts play.
2. Move all Senior Colts Fixtures to Saturday’s for the 2009/2010 season. To achieve this, the Colts will join the Leicestershire Colts League on a trial basis to see if this improves the overall standard of teams they play, it is also hoped this will clearly identify Saturday as a Colts match day – and will help players plan their weekends.
3. Junior Colts (U17s) games will be played on Sunday mornings. For 2009/10 the Junior Colts will compete in the NLD U17 League
4. Encourage our players to play representative rugby (celebrate their achievement)
5. Introduce Match reports for the local news paper and on the club website.
6. Regular update of Colts web page.
7. Develop close links with Nottingham Academy.
8. Look after our players (create an environment that not only includes them but also shows them they are a valued part of the club).
9. Help them develop their own identity.
10. The continued development of our coaching structure towards academy standard.

All Colts Coaches are working towards Level 2 Coach qualification or above and want to challenge themselves with continued personal development. In return the Club has committed itself to supporting these coaches in their development.

It is believed that these points will ultimately lead to a stronger 1st fifteen and a constant flow of talented/competent rugby players entering into the senior rugby setup thus raising the standard for all Senior Teams.

Selection of Colts Players for Senior Rugby

• Careful consideration should be given to the selection of Colts player to play in the senior sides, as described below. To ensure this takes place a representative of the Colts management team should participate in the senior selection process.

Before selecting any Colt player:

• We will take into account each selected players ability, physical stature and maturity
• It would also be good practice for him to be supported by one of the Colts Coaching Team, being available for the first few games to give the player the opportunity to discuss their game and offer advice etc.
• Only in exceptional circumstances will U18 Colts be asked to play senior rugby (mindful of the RFU rule that states 17 year old players cannot play in the Snr front row)

Selection Guidelines:

First Team:
It is acknowledged that if we develop a Young Player good enough to play 1st Team Rugby, his Colts commitments will be viewed as secondary. Again care must be taken not to over play or place excessive demands on the individual player.

As with this season, both the Snr & Jnr Colts will field their strongest available sides for their respective League, Cup & National Cup Matches (it is expected that there will be opportunities for Junior Colts to play up in the Senior Colts for development with agreement)

Proposed Selection process is as follows:

So no matter what level or ability is, our coaching is designed to help you improve as a player. New Players are always made to feel very welcome.

The Colts have a varied social program that includes Tours and Social activities that aim to build on what is already a very good team spirit!

Match Reports 2011/12

Please select one of the following links to go to the match report pages:

Under 19s

Under 18s

Under 17s

Team Selection 2011/12

Training Information