SUFC Juniors - some history & how to be part of it?

It is worth outlining some of the background of our Junior rugby program as there is a lot of interest in where and how the Juniors fit in.

A co-ordinated Juniors Program at SUFC has only been in operation since 2005; with a modest beginning of one team entered at the State Championships. Since then we have experienced growth and success as well as some of the hurdles that go with starting from scratch.

For the University Juniors to be a part of the oldest rugby club in Australia; “the birthplace” is a very great honour and one that is progressively appreciated by our young players as they mature and develop.

Background
In Sydney each of the Premier clubs is deemed a Junior District and has at least one or several Junior Village clubs affiliated to it. For Sydney University this District status eventuated only in 2009. Canterbury and Petersham are the affiliated Junior clubs with SUFC. Each District can enter a representative team in each Age category at the State Championships.

SUFC have had links over a number of years with Canterbury through great contributors to both clubs such as Ross Ryan, Bob McGregor, Paul Blacket and Ed Walgien to name a few. Formalising that relationship between the clubs occurred in 2005.

Junior rugby at Petersham was revived in 2006 after close to 30 years with the concerted efforts of Petersham Subbies club along with dedicated SUFC Junior administrators. Petersham Juniors are going from strength to strength since then with 5 teams in the ages between 6 and 10 years.

How to be part of it
For young players who want to be part of Sydney Uni Rugby, you will need to join either Canterbury or Petersham Junior clubs. Both clubs offer outstanding rugby experiences and can lead to the opportunity to represent in the University colours at the State Championships in June for age groups from 10 to 17. For younger ages it is a great time to learn the basics and have fun at either of these clubs.

Coaches are always needed and volunteer administrators who can keep it all running are warmly encouraged.

For further information please contact Richard Hayward on 041148854 or richard.hayward@hhmc.com.au

SUFC Support for Juniors
The Junior players are fortunate to have access to the rugby structure, systems and staff of SUFC the strongest club in Australia for the last 5 years. In addition, the playing ranks at Uni are noted for the caliber of their players with many Super 14 and Wallaby representatives, many of whom have very willingly given up time to coach and advise developing players in the Juniors.

For Uni Juniors aged between 15 to 17 there is the opportunity in the off season to be a part of the Junior EDS (Elite Development Squad) using the same training programs in place with the Colts and Seniors.

We are also now seeing the first co-ordinated transition from Junior players into Colts with many more to come in future years.

The Future
The growth of our Junior Village clubs, Petersham and Canterbury is the greatest priority for the future. There is also the potential for a new Junior Village club, perhaps in the Inner West, to start up and become our third affiliate. This will provide the potential for more home grown juniors to filter through to senior ranks in the future.

As our Junior structure grows it will continue to be a vital part of the overall SUFC community and strength.

Enquiries to either Richard Hayward 0411 488 544 or Ray Hudd 0414 519 145