Old rivalry will be played out in spirit of the game
Hundreds of youngsters will be taking part in an action-packed schedule of rugby tomorrow as Footes Lane hosts the Junior Siam Festival.
‘We’ve got teams from under-sevens right the way through to under-18 boys and under-14 to under-16 girls playing for the first time actually for a trophy, as well at those two age groups,’ said Guernsey rugby development officer Steve Melbourne.
‘There are approximately 600 children involved throughout the day and the good thing about this one is we’ve got more development games than we’ve had previously. So from under-10s right the way through to under-14s, we’re actually putting out a development team, and that’s for both clubs – for Jersey and for Guernsey.
‘That just shows you now how much the numbers have swelled through those age groups.
‘It comes down to getting more and more people wanting to play the game. There’s been a massive influx of players this year, particularly through the girls’ side. The girls’ section has grown hugely this year compared to where it was previously, but everybody seems to be “right, we’ll come give rugby a go” and they’re enjoying it, they’re staying.’
The Colts start off the day on the main pitch at 11am with the under-16 encounter bringing things to a conclusion in front of the Garenne Stand at 3.30pm.
There will also be games on the Club Pitch and the Memorial Field throughout the day.
Melbourne added that while the Guernsey-Jersey rivalry will always be a given on any Siam day, playing in the right spirit is also key to enjoying the experience.
‘Everything that we look at is played down the core values of rugby union and we make sure that that is a forefront,’ he said.
‘OK it is a contest, you can never take that away from a Siam, as I’ve learned over 10 years, but it’s still the fact it’s making sure that the coaches understand that the kids are here to play the game, and that’s what we should have the kids at the forefront of everything we do.’
