Streatham-Croydon’s young players are to train with the stars of Premiership leaders Harlequins after winning a national competition.

The club’s mini side were one of 12 grassroots clubs to be awarded a training session with top Premiership players and coaches – as well as £1,000 of training equipment – through the QBE Rugby Pro competition.

The judges were impressed by the minis’ community spirit and continued growth, as well as the enthusiasm and ambition shown in their entry, and the session will give specialist advice on technical and physical skills identified by the club as areas for improvement.

“We are so proud to win this fantastic prize,” said Femi Oresanya, coach of Streatham-Croydon’s minis side, a tag rugby team for boys and girls under 13.

“The minis has only been going for eight years and we have already built strong links with the community.

“It will undoubtedly benefit our youngsters and coaches to train with professionals from Harlequins.

The club’s first team came close to their first defeat in a year on Saturday but just edged Raynes Park Vale 24-23 in Surrey Three.

They had to rely on a last minute Aaron Brown penalty and the league leaders go to Amplefordians this Saturday.