We are delighted to welcome back Old Albanians, Fullerians, Drifters and Saracens along with our old friendly foes from Beaconsfield and Chesham, all of whom contributed to a great Festival of rugby last season. Good luck to all the visiting teams and we hope you have a thoroughly enjoyable Festival this year, many thanks for accepting our invitation and helping to make the day a success.

This is my first Festival as Chairman of Minis Rugby at A&C and I very much look forward to having the opportunity to visit each of the age groups to watch a match or two. I must say a huge thanks to all of those that have helped with the organisation of the Festival, which wouldn’t happen without all of the invaluable voluntary (!) contributions. Last year’s Minis Chairman, who is this year’s Club Chairman says he will buy you all a beer at the end of the Festival this afternoon.

We are blessed again this year with the fantastic support of IBB Solicitors who together with Amersham Audi are our main Festival Sponsors. We are hugely grateful for IBB Partner, Gary Bunce, being in attendance this afternoon to hand out all of the participant medals and the cups for the winners of the Under 12 Waterfall Tournament.

Although my first A&C Festival as Chairman of Minis Rugby, this is my 9th Festival as a parent and coach. We have not always been fortunate for fine weather over that time but I hope we are able to deliver on that front for you all today. It is always so much more exciting in good conditions.

Last season was the introduction of the refined Age Grade Rugby Rules and although after some initial apathy or concern over the impact on the game, I think they have proven to be a great new addition to this wonderful game of rugby. Children and parents alike love competition, which the new rules still provide, but with no pressure to win the parents are able to support without placing undue pressure on their loved ones. We encourage
good sportsmanship and hope you will all be able to support all players accordingly, both from your club and the ‘oppositions’ teams.

I really hope everyone enjoys their day, are able to sample the wonderful array of caterers in attendance and best of luck to all the teams in achieving their goals.

Duncan Yarroll
Chairman, Minis Rugby
Amersham & Chiltern Rugby Club