Norfolk clubs come together for cluster training session

On an unseasonably warm Sunday morning, West Norfolk and North Walsham Rugby Clubs came together at Gatehouse Lane to hold a shared cluster training session for girls ranging from U12 to U18.A steady stream of new and existing players came to work through various drills being set up and run by coaches from both clubs, showcasing the focus on the core rugby skills in handling, running lines, working with tackle bags and passing.The cluster training sessions are a novel and proactive way for clubs to be able to ensure that there are options available for players if a club may not have the required numbers needed to field a full team, ensuring that the opportunities to access the sport and all the coaching available is still there for the players to take.Importantly, the cluster mechanisms also ensure that much-needed fixtures can be met and give these developing players the time that they need on the pitch.Coaches Ellen Collinson – recently awarded the Honda Volunteer of the Year Award from the RFU – and James Burroughs from West Norfolk were encouraged by the numbers.They said: “The growth in the girl’s game is just inspiring – seeing the turnout today gives us huge confidence and excitement for the season ahead.”Girls’ training is held on a Wednesday evening from 6pm and again on Sundays from 11.30am to 1pm with these cluster sessions taking place once a month.Everyone is welcome, so please get in touch or just come along.