2008 News
- News Archive
SIMMSQUINS Mini Rugby Launched
Harlequin Amateurs and St Mary’s University College, Twickenham have announced the launch of their joint Mini Rugby Section – SIMMSQUINS.
From January 18th 2009, the two organisations will be working in partnership to deliver mini rugby, initially for 9 to 11 year olds. The Sunday morning sessions will provide a great rugby environment for kids to play together and develop their skills, as well as gaining from the unique camaraderie that the sport enshrines.
The new partnership will provide high quality rugby coaching by drawing on the expertise of both Harlequins and St Mary’s junior sports programme called SIMMSport. Sport St Mary's already runs a number of weekly SIMMSport sports sessions for Primary School aged children including gymnastics, football and athletics.
SIMMSQUINS is the next step of the partnership between the two organisations, with Harlequins holding weekly training for their Senior Teams at the University College’s Waldegrave Road site. Just like the senior team players, all mini rugby players will become full club members of Harlequins Amateurs, train at St Mary’s and also be given the opportunity to wear the famous Harlequins quartered shirt.
The project is being supported by Bob Hiller, former Captain of Harlequin FC, Captain of England and two time British Lion now President of both Harlequin FC and Harlequin Amateurs RC. Speaking about the new venture Mr. Hiller said;
“I am delighted that Harlequin Amateurs and St Mary’s University College have commenced mini rugby. I know how committed Harlequin Amateurs are to continuing the Corinthian spirit of rugby and having seen first hand how supportive St Mary’s have been of rugby across the community. I am sure that SIMMSQUINS will be a fantastic success for all those taking part and I look forward to seeing children of all ages wearing the Harlequins colours and enjoying rugby”
The team of coaches that has been put together to run SIMMSQUINS will be a unique combination of parents and players from Harlequin Amateurs, as well as student coaches currently studying at St Mary's.
The students are part of Sport St Mary’s Coach Education Programme. This gives them an opportunity across a number of sports to give something back to the community within which they are studying, as well as supplement their degree studies. They are provided with opportunities to gain practical experience of coaching as well as passing relevant coaching qualifications.
Mini Rugby is an integral part of the Harlequin Amateurs RC and Sport St Mary’s Development Plan, and the two organisations are looking forward to a long-lasting and successful partnership, whilst providing an inclusive and fun environment for all the family.
Players or coaches who would like to join up with SIMMSQUINS can contact Matt Shurlock, Sports Development Officer (SIMMSport) on 0208 2402309 or email shurlockm@smuc.ac.uk
or
Andy Brampton – Club Secretary (Harlequin Amateurs) on 07768 598896 or email minirugby@harlequinrugby.co.uk
