We are one month into the season with a couple of games under our belts, the coaching team thought it appropriate that we communicate what our strategy is for the season (as per other age groups).

The emphasis has still not changed and it is all about the kids having fun, learning, building confidence and improving rugby skills. As we are into contact other elements come into play and these need to be incorporated into our thinking during training, matches and the way we run things.

We are lucky enough to have a large group of players with a wide range of abilities. Our ambition this year is to successfully take these players in to their first year of ‘proper’ rugby in a fun and safe environment. While achieving this we also expect to continue our very successful track record in both county and national competitions. (Please review the website into how older age groups are doing)

This is also an ideal season to introduce new players to rugby. This year requires all the players to learn new and different skills which will be the foundation for the rest of their rugby careers. There is a place for players of all shapes, sizes and abilities in our squads.

Our coaching philosophy is to base as much of the training as possible on 2 core elements - game based situations and skill based drills. This ensures the players are active and involved all the time and also helps to make the sessions competitive which keeps the players interested.

There are fixtures and festivals throughout the season for all players: last season we entered 3 U9s teams in the major festivals. Our aim is to ensure that all players train and play competitive rugby at an appropriate level with the ultimate goal of EVERYBODY PLAYS.

We will again be running 3 U9 squads, in an A, B and Development Format. Our aim for the development squad is to get them "contact rugby ready" as soon as possible so they can go into the main squad as soon as possible, which will give us more players from which to choose for matches. This will make the selection process harder - but a nice problem to have!

We will not compromise on the safety of our players by pitching them against other teams who we feel have strong teams or if we feel they are not ready, the coaches will make this call but if you feel your child is not ready to play competitive contact matches please do let one of us know. This season for triangular matches we will endeavour to take 3 teams to each match and for festivals, where there are only A and B squads we will try to arrange an alternative fixture for the Development squad. This will ensure that all players will have the opportunity to play a significant number of competitive games throughout the season as well as the opportunity to compete for medals and trophies at festivals.

Training: We will be following this format for training

10:00 - Warm Up

10:15 - Skills training

11:00 - Match training

11:20 - Matches

Team Selection - The process is based on merit and keeping it competitive. With a large squad of players from which to choose, there is no room for complacency! All players will train together, breaking out into skill groups.

We will select teams on a match-by-match basis, 24 players will be selected who will represent Wasps U9's as A and B teams, others will represent a "c" or development team.

All selections will be based on a range of criteria including teamwork, willingness to train and learn, ability and attitude. Selections will be sent by e-mail and posted on the website under Team News on Monday / Tuesday of each week before the match. You must let us know if your child is unavailable for a match on the Sunday before the match.

Finally to parents and supporters we are all in this together, all coaches give up their time voluntarily, please help them to help the teams by encouraging your child to fully participate in training and have the right attitude when playing against other teams.

We have a positive and friendly spirit at Wasps let’s keep that going. I have already received several comments from games earlier this season on how well our players have adapted to contact rugby and our positive attitude, that is testament to the players, parents and coaches, we should all be proud.

As always if you have any questions please do not hesitate in speaking to one of the coaches

Waheed