As you may know, A&C host an annual development festival for U12-U10 teams and a smaller festival for U7-U9 teams. This year is on Sunday 1 March 2026 and rough timings will be between 9.30am – 12.30pm.

We believe that these events are so important in developing the less confident players from
U10-U12 once contact is introduced and as such it is a smaller event than our October Festival. We are hopeful that you see the value in supporting the less confident players by allowing them to compete against opposition of a similar level of ability. 

As a guide this is how A&C think about development players.
 
At A&C we are committed to World Rugby’s “Rugby For All” philosophy. 
To support this, we organise Development Festivals and Fixtures which allow our less confident
or capable players to compete against opposition of a similar level of ability. 
We define Development Players as those who: 
§ Lack confidence in contact situations be that tackling, being tackled, rucking and mauling 
§ Have limited game experience and knowledge of the laws 
§ Are less familiar with the technical aspects of the game

Affording these players quality game time is vital in their continuing participation in this late maturity game and allowing as many children as possible to enjoy our fantastic sport. 
Our experience is that when the more accomplished players are not involved,
the development players step up and take responsibility within the team and this boosts
confidence and development. This is supported by a relaxed refereeing approach which is more focused on in-game coaching.
As an example of our approach, an U10 squad that has 45 participating children, will select a team from the 15 least accomplished players.
Some players may have been with A&C since U5s, but lack confidence or may be, they are novice players new to the Club and game. 

We hope that you will be able to participate and enter into the spirit of the event which is
genuinely about participation and development of the players involved. If in doubt, speak to your current U12’s / U11’s who have found participating incredibly beneficial and a real
confidence boost.
If you feel you do not have enough development players to field one team, we would be
delighted to create a “Barbarians” team made up from different clubs. We would prefer this
approach to making up numbers with players who are outside of the development criteria.

In line with the RFU Age Grade Competition Review there will be no overall winners but each player will receive a medal or similar for participating.
We will be charging teams to enter but at a lower price in accordance with the ambition of
supporting development rugby ; in return we will ensure there are the traditional catering,
drinks and facilities you would expect at a festival.
Please confirm your attendance by completing the form online here by 10 January 2026

I look forward to receiving your reply and we look forward to seeing you at Amersham &
Chiltern RFC.

Fiona
Mini Fixtures – Amersham & Chiltern RFC
amershamminisfixtures@gmail.com