Annual Nines Tournament a Success over at Cowley!

Earlier this week the SCDF hosted our Under 12 ‘Hatton’s Premier Class’ Nines Community Club Tournament, with some champagne rugby on show!

The Festival held at Cowley training complex, saw community clubs Pilkington Recs, Blackbrook Royals, Clock Face Miners, Haresfinch, and Newton Storm all attend the open invite session. The Nines tournament is formatted to allow players to be creative, and express themselves when decision-making in a fun but challenging environment, where the outcome isn’t focused on the scoreboard result.

These tournaments fit nicely into the renowned youth development programme that Saints are so proud of, along with the RFL Lions Development Programme. We also work very closely with our St Helens Referee Society, and it was great to have Rebecca Floyd, a young referee working her way up the official ladder on board be able to come down and take part in the festival, with all games refereed with a smile on everyone faces.

Coaching Systems Manager, Craig Richards commented ‘This is a great event, The Nines tournament allows for plenty of game time for every young player, more catch and pass, more evasion, and quick decision making. The skill level on show was outstanding, and it’s clear to see that our Community Coaches are doing great things with these players!”

With music blasting out loud, the feeling of the festival enhanced, with over 150 parents and family members watching the touchline made for a great environment all round as everyone lapped up the sun and enjoyed some fast-flowing rugby – in traditional ‘Saints Style’.