THE start of a new youth rugby season is always a busy time for coaches as the older players move on to senior rugby and the continuation of a youth squad is very dependant on the number of players moving up from the previous season’s under-16 team.

Since commencing training in July it is pleasing to see that 13 new players have joined the Penarth Youth RFC squad from the strong production line of the junior section of the Penarth rugby club strengthening the squad to more than 30 players and providing strength in depth in all positions.

This season's start meant lots of planning for coaches Simon Rees and Andy Pyman as they had lost the vast coaching experience of Colin Laity who, after many years of coaching at Penarth Youth, decided to take a break from coaching and enjoy his spare time with family.

His dedication to Penarth Youth over the years has been invaluable and greatly appreciated by committee, coaches, players and their families and it is hoped he will return to the club in the future.

Any of the coaches trepidation without Colin has been slightly eased as the season has seen a great start so far with the youth team unbeaten after four games during which they have scored 17 tries and conceding only six. This early success and dedication from the players and coaches has been recognised by Ken Rattenbury, managing director of Wild Water Storage Ltd who has sponsored the team this season providing a brand new away/change strip which was presented and proudly worn by the players for the first time last Saturday at the Athletic field for their game against Pentyrch Youth RFC, who they went on to defeat by 40 - 15.

The sponsorship and continued support from Wild Water Storage is greatly appreciated by all connected to the youth team and Penarth Rugby Club as a whole.