🏉 FYB Rugby Round Up – 9 November 2026

This week, community rugby is removing barriers, creating positive experiences for young players and investing in the development of the women’s and girls’ game.

Croydon Wanderers launches £16,400 facilities campaign

Croydon Wanderers RFC has secured £8,200 of National Lottery match funding from Sport England—but must now raise the same amount locally to unlock it. Its 16-week “Wanderers Front Foot” campaign will fund women’s changing facilities, an accessible toilet, improved showers, a refurbished kitchen and pitch enhancements. The club must reach its target by 1 March 2027 under the all-or-nothing arrangement. With participation growing among women, girls and all-abilities players, the project shows how suitable facilities can be essential to making rugby genuinely welcoming—not simply a nice addition once people have joined.

Read more: Croydon Wanderers RFC – Wanderers Front Foot campaign

Mini festivals bring thousands of young players together

Scottish Rugby’s Mini Rugby festivals have already brought thousands of children from around 40 clubs together this season. Five supported festivals have taken place in Lenzie, Bannockburn, Ross Sutherland, Melrose and Biggar, with participating clubs receiving practical and financial assistance. The events form part of Scottish Rugby’s Mini Rugby Project, which aims to increase participation among children aged eight to 12 by creating positive, welcoming playing environments. At an age when enjoyment strongly influences whether children remain involved, festivals centred on skills, friendships and belonging can help turn an introduction to rugby into a lasting connection with the game.

Read more: Scottish Rugby – Mini Rugby festivals in full flow

World Cup-winning coach joins Old Reigatian

Rugby World Cup-winning coach Lou Meadows has joined Old Reigatian RFC’s women’s and girls’ section as a consultant. The Surrey club has launched a new adult women’s team this season, building on an established girls’ programme that has developed players reaching county, university, Premiership Women’s Rugby and age-grade international levels. From November, Meadows will deliver targeted sessions, mentor players and coaches and provide off-field education. Bringing high-level expertise into a community setting can benefit far more than one team: it develops coaches, strengthens the pathway between age groups and gives aspiring players access to knowledge they might not otherwise encounter.

Read more: Old Reigatian RFC – Lou Meadows joins Women & Girls

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