I am delighted to welcome you all back to the new season (2006-07) and I am very pleased and proud to be the new Chair of the Minis and Juniors Section.

I would like to thank Bish Seymour on behalf of the players, coaches, parents and committee for his determination and success in taking the section forward and building such strong foundations for future successes.

2005/06 was a very successful season for the section, we came away from the Rugby Festival as the best performing club, virtually cleaned up from U.9‘s to U.12’s  at the Alliance, the U.9’s had a trip to play on the hallowed turf at Twickenham to win the Gullivers plate final. The U.12's won every competition they entered, making a success of the 4th year at the East Mids Final. 

The Juniors continue this list with the U.13's & U.14’s winning the East Mids Cup, a great result for the 13’s as they had been runners up for the last 3 years. The U.16’s had a mixed season with a number of players turning out for the U.17’s, who were runners up of the East Midlands and were Midlands Bowl Champions.

A quick mention to our senior side who came a creditable 5^th in their league and were also Alliance Champions for the 4^th year in a row. The Colts won numerous cups and capped a great season by reaching the National Colts Final

Off the field we were awarded the RFU seal of approval. This means that we are recognised by both the RFU and Sport England as being a ‘ safe, effective and child friendly club’. A big thank you goes to Kevin Herbert and the team who have put in a lot of time and effort achieving this, it is an ongoing award and we need to keep working on this.

Being part of the Section is not just about winning trophies, we will continue with our ethos that it is about the enjoyment and involvement of all players, developing their talents and team spirit. Regardless of whether the players are training or playing at a tournament, their safety is paramount and coaches are very conscious of this when deciding on teams and positions.

Our numbers of registered players has remained buoyant, with more than 300 players from Under 7 through to Under 16, supported by over 50 coaches and an army of committee, coordinators and helpers, all voluntary. Our superb relationship with the Northampton School for Boys enables us to provide first class facilities for these players every Sunday.

It is hard to believe that our current clubhouse has been in operation for one year and it is a fitting symbol of our success as a club.  It is vital we continue to support the club and various social events will be organised throughout the coming months to raise funds to complete the Bat ‘n’ Ball Bar (former spike bar).  Please respect the grounds and interior of the clubhouse by using the changing rooms, removing dirty boots etc.

Enjoy your season.

Mark Russell, Chairman ONRFC Mini and Juniors Section