by Lara B. Hewitt

Old Cats U15's are playing well this year thanks to their focus and teamwork.

Caterham's rugby youths are living up to their senior counterparts after a number of the Old Caterhamians youth teams find themselves at the top of their leagues. The Under 15's originally faced a baptism of fire in the first of their Surrey rugby leagues, but are now at the top of their league after the boys' ability to show excellent teamwork.

Matt Day, Head Coach of the U15s, says: "They have been training hard and showing real commitment. We have had a few new players and they have boosted a team that has always had real spirit, but didn't know how to win. Now they do.

It's great for the players, the coaches and parents alike. We are now preparing for their Easter Tour to Dublin and to end the season with a promotion would be fantastic." The Under 13's teams are divided in two - the Lions making the A team and the Tigers as the B's.

The Lions are looking with hope to reach Division 2 after eight players collectively scored 120 points in three games! The Tigers are also representing the club with pride and are second in their league. Furthering the clubs' successes are the Under 14's, who remain unbeaten for the last two years since they were formed.

24 dedicated players include one who is a part of Harlequins Academy and three who are included in Surrey's Development Squad. Finally, the Under 17's are at the top of their league, leading the way for the rest of the club's youth section and completing the wonderful example of brilliance for the minis teams.

Across the club, our players are demonstrating England Rugby's core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. This is largely down to the fantastic base of coaches that we have, whose development is a high priority at the club.

Along with the regular CPD's (Continuous Personal Development) that they receive from England Rugby, this coming summer our coaches will partake in pre-season sessions to further their skills and knowledge.

A key issue that has been identified by England Rugby is the struggle that clubs have to retain players from the age of 16 into their early twenties. Old Caterhamians have previously lost large parts of our emerging talent to other local clubs and wish them every success in their futures.

However, in response to the issue, we formed the Old Cats Youth Academy. Director of Rugby Steve Williams says: "The aim is to develop the squad for at least three years before they embark on their senior careers.

The club is mindful to not commit young players too early into the senior level, to avoid injury and knocks to their confidence." Old Caterhamians would like to thank the parish council for their support of the Academy, for sponsoring their new kit.

If you have a business and are interested in sponsoring a section of the club or even the yearly Caterham Rugby Sevens Tournament, please get in touch.

The club also welcomes new players of all genders and ages. If you're interested in joining our friendly, thriving rugby club, you can find the contact details for all the coaches on the website, or enquire on our Facebook / Twitter pages for more information.

www.oldcats.co.uk

www.facebook.com/oldcaterhamiansrfc

www.twitter.com/OldCatsRFC