Esher rugby club hosted their 16th annual Mini Rugby Floodlit Rugby Festival last Friday night to celebrate the end of the season and promote fairness and sportsmanship to young players.

Six Esher First XV players including Club-Captain Toby Clouston and playing-Captain David Slemen presented trophies to U7-U12 winners during a noisy award ceremony in the club’s Main Stand.

Youngsters were encouraged throughout the evening by coaches and parents and congratulated by first team players Neil Taylor, Stuart Walker, James Campbell and James Tubasei.

Toby Clouston, who has progressed through the club since Mini-level, said: "Other clubs don't have what we have here at Esher. It is very special that we have such a thriving Minis and a thriving parental support. We have the best Minis around and this has such an impact on the whole club.

Esher, Wimbledon, Cobham, Battersea, Grasshoppers and Richmond competed in the tournament held to promote fair play and “good spirit” as well as give an opportunity to play in front of the stands on the floodlit First XV pitch.

Rob Sanders, the event organiser and U12s Head Coach, said: "This is a festival everybody wants to be a part of. It's all about good spirit and having fun. This is the last mini rugby the U12’s play and it will inspire them to go on and play Junior Rugby next season. We lost our tournament by two points but the whole team went off with smiles on their faces."

The tournament offered an opportunity for Mini players to focus on team-spirit and play three matches against rival teams. The evening also highlighted a demand for more female players.

Cathy Sanders, whose daughter plays for the U18s, said: "We're fighting stereotypes and looking for more girls to take part. They offer a different aspect to the game. Ballet, for example, is brilliant for agility.”

Martin Van Willingh, an U8B referee and Wimbledon Warriors parent, said: "It's all about competing and coaching discipline in a fun and friendly way."

Parents were out in force, fresh from work, to support their children, tackle hot dogs and burgers and take full advantage of the clubhouse bar.

Kevin Finn, a Wimbledon Eagles U10A parent, said: "I came last year and it rained heavily so it's great to come this time when the weather's been great. It's the only game the team plays under floodlights so it's a big kick for them."

Each team received GOLD participation medals sponsored by award-winning Garden Designer Selina Botham. The trophies were sponsored by local businessman Nick Jewell, from Taylormade Financial Services.

Selena, an Esher Under 11 Mum, said: "It's a great celebration and I'm delighted to be involved and share my success with the local community."

Club-Captain Toby Clouston added: "The festival seems a perfect way to end the season and brings back memories of the great days I had playing Mini rugby. I remember playing in the dead ball area and that is still being used as a pitch for Minis today."

If you are interested in joining Esher Rugby Club Minis or Juniors then training will start again on the first Sunday in Sept 09. Junior sides will be running fitness and skills training sessions during the Summer.