JCB PITCHES IN TO HELP RUGBY CLUB YOUNGSTERS TACKLE SEASON

CHILDREN at a Staffordshire Rugby Club are set to tackle the season in style, thanks to support from digger giant JCB.

Boys and girls playing for Stoke RUFC Under 8s proudly put the new JCB-sponsored kit through its paces when they took to the pitch at Hartwell Lane, Barlaston for regular Sunday training.

The team is coached by JCB employee Nathan Bailey, whose son Louis plays in the 13-strong squad. Nathan, a development technician at JCB Compact Products, Cheadle, said: “The children have been playing together for almost three years now and this brilliant support from JCB means they are all properly kitted out and can feel proud to be a part of the team. We are very much an inclusive sport, welcoming both boys and girls. At this age, the children all play together and we currently have one girl in our squad – so more girls on the team would be great.

“The club has invested a lot of resources into girls’ and women's rugby recently so we are able to support everyone as they progress through the rugby ranks. No matter what age you are, there is a place for you in rugby - we have a 17+ women’s team now and mixed Touch Rugby for anyone over the age of 18.”

Mini and Junior training for ages 5-16 is at Hartwell Lane, Barlaston, every Sunday morning and anyone interested in joining can find out more via Facebook (Stoke-on-Trent Rugby Club Mini & Juniors Section) at www.stokerufc.co.uk or by emailing newplayer@stokerufc.co.uk.