GENERAL INFORMATION
Welcome to Deeside Minis Primary 5s. All are welcome (boys and girls) in Primary 5 in the school year 2022/23. We train most Saturdays 0930-1100hrs, on the pitch between the clubhouse and kit shed at Woodend Playing Fields, Banchory, AB31 5QA. (Opposite Tesco).

The aim of Mini Rugby is to start developing a lifelong love of sport, through rugby. We encourage children to learn the basic skills of the game in a positive learning environment.

TRAINING
Generally, we align with the school term, with breaks at October, Christmas and Easter, but other than that, it’s most Saturday mornings until the end of May, plus the occasional tournament on a Sunday. In winter, bad conditions or frozen pitches may mean we have to cancel training. Please keep an eye out for communications for any last-minute updates.

KIT
If you’re trying rugby for the first time, there’s no need to splurge on a full set of kit initially. Comfortable sports clothing (appropriate for the weather) and decent trainers are acceptable. As time goes on, we would recommend studded boots. And for those who wish club branded kit, rugby shirts /socks /training tops are available most Saturday mornings, from the club. The only piece of kit that is essential is a gum shield – these are inexpensive and can be purchased from most sports shops, or online.

COACHING
All Deeside Rugby coaches are PVG registered and complete the Scottish Rugby Union ‘Rugby Right’ coaching course at the start of each season. Many are trained to UKCC level 1, with some coaches in the senior boys up to UKCC level 3 or 4. All coaches have basic training in child welfare. We work hard to keep all the children safe, but First Aiders are on hand, should the need arise. The club also has a dedicated Child Protection Officer.

REGISTRATION
If you’re new to the club, feel free to come along for a few weeks and give it a try. However, if you do decide to join, players and parents need to register with the club. Registrations forms and payment can be found on the Deeside RFC website, hosted on Pitchero. The fee goes towards running the club facilities, including rental of the playing fields. It also covers appropriate insurance for all players and therefore players will not be allowed to participate in any tournaments until registration is complete. The club website is also the primary source of news, training and festival schedules, recording availability and communications. There is also a handy Pitchero App.

New players (those playing at P4 or above, for the first time) also need to be registered with SCRUMS, Scottish Rugby’s online system. If you have previously registered with SCRUMS, at Deeside RFC, this should roll over automatically and you do not need to re-register.