The Warlingham U10s headed to the south coast last weekend for their annual Minis Tour, and what unfolded was a perfect mix of rugby, silliness and the kind of memories that make these trips so special, writes coach Ian Anderson.

After arriving on Friday evening, the boys were presented with their sharp new tour shirts (much admired throughout the weekend) before settling into caravan-park life as parents acclimated themselves with some chilled local refreshments.

Saturday was all about fun and bonding. A relaxed training session wherever a patch of grass could be found followed a lively trip to the beach, where parents and players alike threw themselves into the games - sometimes quite literally, with one enthusiastic dad taking an unexpected dip in the sea. Back at base, everyone dressed up in their Heroes & Villains fancy dress outfits whereafter the tour’s traditional “court” delivered its usual chaos with kids, parents and coaches facing the infamous BeanBoozled jelly beans (identical jelly beans but with very different flavours, unknown until you eat them - think pear/snot, peach/puke, pomegranate/old sticky plaster or banana/wet dog). As Ghostbusters, Mario and Luigi mingled with kids in scream masks and Marshmallow men the evening rolled on with bingo, birthday celebrations for the team admin (happy 40th Katie McCann!) and plenty of laughter.

Sunday morning brought us to the rugby festival at Havant RFC, and the boys saved their best for last. Splitting into two teams, Warlingham played ten matches and finished the day unbeaten, winning nine and drawing one. The rugby on display drew praise from opposition coaches for its physicality, teamwork and slick passing.

Just as impressive was the noise from the touchline. Parents arrived armed with pom-poms, cheers and chants, making sure Havant knew exactly where Warlingham was, even if a few locals may have had to look it up on a map afterwards.

Most importantly, the weekend was played in the spirit that defines the club: teamwork, encouragement and fun. There were also moments to remember former head coach Mark “Brighty” Bright, whose passion helped shape this group and whose influence could still be felt in the way the boys played.

Tired but happy, the U10s returned to Surrey with ice creams, great memories and one thing everyone agreed on - it was a tour to remember.