Last Sunday saw our final Minis and Juniors session of 2025/26, tying a bow on another brilliant year at Warlingham. Following the phenomenal home festival that was Brightfest the week before, this last session was all about letting the hair down, keeping things fun, and recognising the players who have stepped up across the season.

As is tradition, the training part of the day saw coaches getting involved too - attempting, with varying degrees of success, to recapture moments from their own playing days. The mind was willing. The hamstrings, in many cases, were not. Parents, naturally, offered their full support by laughing from a safe distance.

After a squad photo, it was time to head inside for the end-of-season awards. First came speeches from the head coaches. Then every player was called up, cheered on and given their moment of appreciation for being part of the team.

Deafening applause shook the room. Smiles spread from face to face. More speeches followed as the coaches talked up each award category, building the suspense before the names were announced. Each winner came forward to unanimous appreciation from their teammates, coaches and families. Was that a tear in a parent’s eye? Almost certainly. Although someone nearby was definitely chopping onions.

Following a sit-down tea of burgers, nuggets and hot dogs, it was back outside for some proper end-of-season silliness. Could an entire squad of Minis beat their coaches in a tug of war? Could they eat an After Eight placed on their forehead without using their hands? Could they find a sweet buried under squirty cream without making a complete mess of themselves?

Character was built. Dignity was lost. Nobody seemed to mind.

Of course, the players couldn’t let the coaches have it all their own way. So out came the stocks and wet sponges. For many, revenge proved to be the sweetest treat of the afternoon - far tastier than the cream-covered sweets from earlier.

The photos in this story are from U10s, but every age group held its own just-as-special end-of-year ceremony, celebrating their season with feel-good moments laced through every part of the session and making sure everyone heads into the summer already looking forward to September.

Moments like these live long in the memory of our youngest players. Does any U10 remember the score from that game against Old Cats at Trinity back in October? Probably not. And, truthfully, that’s not really the point.

Good times, good friends and good vibes are what keep players coming back to rugby clubs. Results matter, of course, but the memories made around the game often matter more.

So it feels only right that this week we honour and thank the coaches across all our Minis, Juniors and Girls’ sections who devote their Sunday mornings to developing our young players. They teach the intricacies of the game, yes - but they also help build confidence, teamwork, resilience and friendships that can last far beyond the pitch.

A massive shout out to each and every coach who has crossed the touchline this season to pass on their knowledge, give their time, and help foster the welcoming, supportive environment we are so proud of at this club.

Bring on 2026/27.