United Services Youth Experience Twickenham England v Fiji Saturday 10th Nov

The United Service Portsmouth Rugby Club, mini, midi and youth sections took 4 coach loads of players, coaches, referees and parents to Twickenham for the England v Fiji match. This was the clubs way of saying ‘thank you' for the hard work and commitment they all put into the club every year.

101 players from 7 to 16 years of age where paid for by the club as were nearly 25 coaches and referees. Their numbers were added to by over 55 parents who paid to come along making this a fantastic club day out, that really captured the spirit of community rugby.

For many this was the first time they had been to Twickenham or even  to see a professional game and the enjoyment was obvious to see, a fantastic score line from England meant that everybody were on their feet in celebration, more than sitting to watch.  Some expert explanations and coaching was heard throughout the stands from our coaches trying to explain decision making and tactics to the lads and explaining how they want to see this in our next matches!

The excitement was so great that the BBC presenter Jason Mohamed was surrounded by our players wanting an autograph on their hats and banners. They had no idea who he was, but as he was on the pitch, he had to be important to rugby! 

101 tired players all turned up for rugby training and matches the following day truly inspired to play better and one day represent their country themselves.