After a great season for the junior club, there were some very hard decision to make. First up was the Coach of the Year Award. This year there was a large number of coaches nominated for this award, which shows what a great depth of coaches in the junior section. There were two worthy notes for runner up; firstly Dean Notton who has also had a great year putting huge effort in throughout the season. He has improved the communication between the P7 parents and coaches along with attending all CPD (more than any other coach) sessions in order to up skill himself as a coach. The time and effort he has spent to read up on new drills and skills for the session he is about to carry out is very evident when watching them. The confidence and experience he has gained this season will make him a real asset to the S1 coaching team next year. Then Iain Price who has had another great season with the Maxi Micros. A key demonstration of the success of coaching leadership is the kids engagement in the training and their general good behaviour. Keeping over 22 Micros focussed for 90 minutes is no mean feat. The progress the children have made over the period has been immense and has given many of these players a great foot hold as they make the transition to full contact rugby next season. All the coaching Iain has done has also been whilst in his final year of his degree, and playing rugby at Aberdeen Wanderers. He still made every training session and unlike most students (and other coaches!), wasn’t hung over on a Saturday morning!! A great effort by Iain and now he has finished his degree he is moving on to bigger and brighter things. This is his last year as Maxi Head Coach, Ellon Rugby would like to thank him for all his time and efforts.
Finally down to the winner. John Aiken at Mini Micros! Once again a hard age group to manage with such high numbers of very excitable children John has managed to run highly enjoyable sessions, with key learning for coaches, helpers and children. The sessions are one of the busiest at the club and there is a perfect balance of enjoyment, skills and fitness. A well-deserved winner.
The club also thanked Paul Vavangas who retired as Treasurer, and Elaine Milligan who is moving from Junior Secretary to Senior Secretary for the whole club.
The individual winners for each age band can be seen below. Most are self-explanatory, the Endeavour award is for a player who has overcome something, had a hard year, but still attends regularly and makes a great effort. From the age band winners, an overall winner is picked. This year it went to P6 James Myers. In a similar fashion, each age band has a most improved player and from these the Development Officer chooses an overall player who played well. This season it went to P6 Adam Fowlie. Finally from the S2 players, who leave the junior section now, the Alistair Burbidge Trophy is awarded to the player most likely to succeed. This went to Jack Gilmour.

Rugby Rascals (3 year olds):
All got a medal and certificate.

Mini Micro:
Best Player Tadgh Gilpin
Most Improved Duncan McKerrow

Maxi Micro:
Best Player Jack Sisley/Jamie Barron
Most Improved Charlotte Heath/Gregor Keith

P4:
Player of the Year Alistair Hunter
Most Improved Finlay Simpson
Players Player Cameron Arthur/ Harry Burr
Endeavour Oisin Healy
Best Newcomer Grant Dalgarno

P5:
Player of the Year Sam Douglas
Most Improved Dylan Blacklaw
Players Player Ryan Hanton
Endeavour Mac Falconer
Best Newcomer Ryan Hanton

P6:
Player of the Year Ben Dickie/Fin Hagen
Most Improved Fin Ritchie
Players Player Ben Dickie
Endeavour James Myers
Best Newcomer Adam Fowlie

P7:
Player of the Year Stevie Gray
Most Improved Leo Sandison
Players Player Stevie Gray/James Hamilton
Endeavour Callum Young
Best Newcomer Ryan Burnett

S1:
Player of the Year Kerr McCluskey
Most Improved Murray Stewart/Ewan Bloor
Players Player Cody Bartlet

S2:
Player of the Year Jack Gilmour
Most Improved Sam Martin/ Nathan Taylor
Players Player Cameron Innes

That marks the end of the season for the Juniors. All starts again for a new season on 23rd August for a Registration and Fun Day!