PENARTH
Penarth
RUGBY FOOTBALL CLUB
There is a really positive atmosphere at Penarth RFC at the moment
with preparations for the new season having gone well. Rugby Club
Magazine recently caught up with their Secretary James Docherty to
find out more about how they have been getting along lately.
James told us, “Having been
involved with the Mini and Junior
and Youth section as a player I
moved up to the 1st XV in 2001 and
have been playing ever since. I took
over the role as Hon Secretary in
July 2018 combining the same with
attempts to keep playing. Penarth
was my local club and I grew up
watching the seniors playing in the
upper echelons of Welsh Rugby,
there was only ever one club for me.
“As secretary the day to day
management of the club and
correspondence takes up more time
“I was brought up in a Welsh family who had moved to Bath so rugby was always a
big part of my childhood and I played through schools rugby and university in Lampeter,
West Wales. We moved to Penarth eight years ago and I started off with minis rugby then
bringing along 4 year old twins!
Tom and Jac are now 11 years old and playing for the U12s. This season Jac is trying out
nr 8 and Tom is often in the centre or on the wing but at this age they try all positions - last
weekend he played wing, centre, flanker and tight head prop in one match! It’s all about
finding out and having fun. How do you know what position you like if you don’t try it?
I’ve moved up with the age groups from U6s, we have 22 players registered at U12s this
season. Kids want to have fun, learn new skills and play with their friends. Get those in
place and you will be ok!
With a busy family life I’m less often seen at the club on a Saturday but I know that
there are many new players this season which is great and there have been some new types
of training sessions and working more closely with the Blues which is great. At mini and
junior level we have already adopted some of these initiatives such as MMA coach Shane
Riley running a skills session on rucking which was very well received. Best wishes to all at
the club - keep enjoying your rugby!”
Huw Jones
www.rugbyclubmag.com
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