With the season having ended, I’ve enjoyed looking back at everything we achieved. The ups, the downs, the uncertain first steps as a collaborative squad… and the way the team gradually gelled into something really special. From hesitant beginnings to moments of fantastic teamwork, from new friendships formed to individual breakthroughs on and off the pitch, it’s been a journey full of growth and connection. What started as two clubs joining forces became something much more: a unified group with shared values, mutual respect, and a real sense of belonging.
What’s really struck me, though, is just how much of what made this season meaningful happened beyond the pitch. Yes, we trained hard and gave our all on match days, but it was the conversations during water breaks, the laughs shared between drills, and the post-match debriefs with fellow coaches that left a lasting impression. Those moments are where trust was built. Where the team’s identity began to form. Where rugby became the vehicle, but not the sole focus.
The relationships with parents were a big part of this, too. Whether it was cheering from the sidelines, stepping in to help with logistics, or simply offering a word of encouragement, they brought warmth and support that made a difference. This kind of grassroots sport thrives on those contributions, big and small, and I’m grateful for every one.
Then there’s the coaching team. Collaborating across clubs meant bringing different perspectives, ideas, and styles. But it also meant choosing to work as one, to support one another, stay aligned, and present a united front for the girls. That mutual respect and open communication became a foundation not just for the players but for us as coaches, too.
As I reflect, I’m reminded again why I love being involved in youth rugby. It’s about more than the sport. It’s about community, about learning how to be part of something bigger than yourself, about discovering what it means to contribute, to lift others up, to grow through challenge.
Rugby, like all sport, is a microcosm of life. In that small world, we get to practise some of the big stuff: resilience, leadership, kindness, humility, and belief.
That’s what makes a season like this so special. Not just the tries scored or games won, but the people it brought together, and the impact that will last long after the final whistle. That’s the beauty of it all.
Bring on next season!
Patrick Hickman 