Lurgan Lad wrote: ↑Sun Sep 05, 2021 8:25 pm
UlsterNo9 wrote: ↑Sun Sep 05, 2021 6:39 pm
How many clubs in Ulster actually field an U18 team on a regular basis? Numbers must be pretty low.
Very hard to do this as most grammar schools don't usually allow their players to play for a club too. It is a real pity a solution hasn't been found to this.
So, you blaming the grammar schools ? What about the clubs taking some responsibility, what about the clubs who have a thriving mini section actually continuing that forward into U14s U16s and U 18s , Look at Cooke Go look at at CIYMS , go look at Harlequins , massive mini sections and zero age grade, is there a problem with coaches, all those yummy mummies and Solictor fathers who love all the kit , with COACH on the back , those that like to brag that they coach Rugby, but once little Leonard moves on they also retire from coaching . Clubs need to really up the game in regards to youth sections , playing numbers also are an issue, but I would bet my Ulster Season ticket that if you remove International tickets unless you have a competitive age group we would have a good chance.
By the way grammar kids can play for their clubs it’s a myth they are stopped by headmasters
Also a big fecking bug bear I have with Mini Sections, the lack of support from those parents to the club, they see the mini section as a private club, no interest in what 1st XV et al are doing, they do not support the club. Some are even a drain on finances