Three seasons ago, in response to a need identified without our clubs and schools, Surrey Rugby set up an U13 Girls Development Programme. The aim was to provide additional coaching and skill building opportunities to talented players within Surrey, in line with the current U13 Development Squad Programme already established for the boys.
This programme grew rapidly from an initial cohort of 17 girls, to a squad of 40 players, selected from over 80 who were nominated to participate by their clubs and schools.
The assessment for this season's squad was due to take place on Sunday 3rd February 2019, however, we have now been advised by the RFU that selecting girls for County (CB) activity at U13 is non-compliant with RFU Governance.
Whilst we would love to run open training sessions alongside the U15 and U18 Girls County Squads, the numbers involved would be unmanageable in terms of location, as well as adequate staffing for the number of volunteer coaches needed.
We have therefore, made the unfortunate decision to cancel the U13 Girls Development Programme in it's current form for this season. This is as much of a disappointment to Surrey as a County, as I know it will be for our players and coaches.
Despite this disappointment, it does give us the opportunity to rethink our programme and look to provide development opportunities not only for the large and ever increasing numbers of U13 girls in Surrey, but also for coaches with the women and girls game.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
