We want to encourage all boys and girls to have fun, improve skills, make friends, increase fitness and try rugby in a non-threatening environment.

RHC Cougars is a safe, efficient and child-friendly club.

We follow the Scottish Rugby Union’s (SRU) 'Fair Play Codes for Coaches, Players, Referees, Parents and Spectators' and national child protection guidelines.

How we coach

We have more than 100 Minis and Midis, training for - or playing - competitive rugby between August and May.

We want to allow players to develop both individually and as team members, and have fun and develop lasting friendships while doing so.

All age groups are supervised by our own qualified coaches, helped by coaches, referees and players from the senior club and by the SRU through the national rugby apprenticeship scheme.

Child protection is something we take seriously, while recognising the need for balance, common sense and sensitivity. Read our Child Protection and Good Practice Policy Statement. All our coaches are registered through the Disclosure Scotland Scheme.

New players are always welcome. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’ve played the game before. Everybody gets the same chance to play. Our coaching and selection policy is 'inclusive'. That means that all players – irrespective of ability – are part of the team, and are involved in inter-club fixtures and tournaments. The only significant selection occurs as more senior teams enter national competitions.

When and where

Minis

The Minis train or play every Sunday at 1pm. Some away games may take place at different times. The minis play at Barnton and Union Park in alternate months. Both venues have a clubhouse and pitches and a large training area.

Midis

The Midis generally play on Sundays and generally train with the Royal High School (Thursdays, Tuesdays and Sundays) Training dates and times can vary, so before you head down to the playing fields for the first time it is best to check the fixtures or contact one of the youth section contacts. When you join the club, you’ll also get a weekly club email, and you can follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information.

Useful addresses

Barnton Playing Fields

Royal High School, East Barnton Avenue

Union Park

Corstorphine EH12 7EE

Try rugby this Sunday!

For more information, contact Phil Williams, Youth Rugby Section lead, on 0131 312 8581 or contact any of the youth section contacts listed below directly.

You can turn up on any training day and let your child try rugby out, and there’s no pressure to join. Take a few weeks to find out if they would like to play regularly. If they would it’s simple for them to register as a player for the club.

All players who play rugby where tackling is involved (P4 upwards) should wear a gum shield. Boots should also be worn (most football boots should be fine). Children don’t need any other padding or protection, although they should dress appropriately for the weather.

The club also has a small shop which stocks club strips and other goodies. It’s open most Sundays after training.

We also welcome new parents to the club and we are always keen for volunteers on the pitch or in any other capacity. We operate a kitchen during Sunday training and matches providing after-match food and drink for the kids to eat together. Help is really appreciated there!

Subscriptions are payable before 31st October each year and our charges are detailed on our subscription form, which you can pick up on a Sunday. Our Welcome Pack details what we spend the subscriptions/fundraising money on.

RHC Cougars Youth & Minis Section Contacts

Community Coach: Steve Leckie

M :07787112926

Youth Rugby Convener: Phil Williams

H: 0131 312 8581

M : 07771954985

Minis Convener: Jim Donachie

H: 0131 336 4033