Cool to be a Holt Colt
Every sport battles to keep older teenagers involved as lifestyles and commitments change.
The move from school to further and higher education, or a full-time job, sees many drop out of sports they once enjoyed and losing long-term friendships and support.
The RFU, like other governing bodies, and community rugby clubs across the country are working to keep young players engaged.
Holt RFC in North Norfolk have been going the extra mile to keep their Colts playing club rugby. A plan has been developed which now sees more than 30 players regularly available for selection.
There’s a broad understanding of the importance of this age group for both players’ and the club’s future. This has brought increased investment from the main sponsor Bakers & Larners of Holt, an independent, family run department store trading in the centre of town since 1770. Thanks to this family firm, the Colts kit is now identical to that of the first team and access to the club physio and coaching team is in line with senior players’ provision.
The plan, however, involves more than kit – it’s the whole kaboodle. Holt have taken a physical, mental and social approach towards player development.
Boys with a wide variety of skill sets and backgrounds have been empowered to mentor and develop each other, with guidance from the coaching team. Many have been at Holt since the minis, others have returned after leaving the game.
Two competitive teams turn out regularly for Holt Colts, with individual development and enjoyment placed above results. There will always be a desire to win but it is not the only measure of success for this group of players.
And it’s cool to be a Holt Colt. Younger age groups now aspire to become one, as they are very much seen as the first team of the club’s youth rugby.
Peter D’Amery their head coach says: “ Our Colts are encouraged to train with the seniors but, importantly, are not available for selection until the later stages of the U18 season and only if this doesn’t conflict with Colts fixtures.
“Ensuring player retention and transition to senior rugby is the ultimate goal, regardless of what level or what club they end up playing for.”
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