Welcome to Ponteland RFC, we are a community-based club playing at the Ponteland Leisure Centre, situated approximately eight miles north west of Newcastle upon Tyne and one mile from Newcastle Airport. Ponteland RFC is a Rugby Union club affiliated to both the Rugby Football Union and also the Northumberland Rugby Union, our club colours are maroon, black and white shirts, black shorts, maroon and white socks.
Boys and girls aged between 5 and 11 can join Ponteland Minis/Midis. The under 7's to under 12's sides train and play on Sunday mornings from 10.30am to midday (travelling to away matches may involve an earlier start). Although the RFU doesn't allow players to take part in matches until they reach their 6th birthday, younger children are able to join and train with the U7s.
The RFU Continuum for Mini/Midi Rugby is based on the principle that the rules of the game should evolve as the players get older. The introduction of different elements of the sport in this way allows players to safely develop their skills, season by season.
Under 7's and under 8's play Tag Rugby, a 7-a-side non-contact version of the game. This provides an excellent introduction to the basics of passing and catching, going forward with the ball, as well as positioning for support and defence.
Under 9's and under 10 age-groups play 9-a-side matches during which tackling, scrums, line-outs, rucks, and mauls are introduced.
Under 11s play and under 12's play a 12-a-side game (full back line, half-backs and front five, no flankers/no.8; U12s have a No8) and they are allowed to kick the ball from the hand.
The majority of matches played during the season are friendly fixtures against local clubs, but the Minis/Midis do participate in one-day rugby festivals/tournaments.
