Youth Takeover Day Brings the Next Generation to Centre Stage at Taunton RFC

Somerfield Stadium was buzzing on Saturday as Taunton Rugby Club welcomed the next generation of players for a special Youth Takeover Day, celebrating the club’s thriving youth section and bringing families together for an action-packed day of rugby.

The day began with a fantastic coaching opportunity for our U13s, U14s, U15s and U16s, who were joined by former Taunton Titan, Exeter Chiefs player and Scotland international Sam Skinner, alongside fellow coach and TOP Rugby co-founder Ben Hawley.

With more than 70 young players taking part, each age group enjoyed a dedicated hour-long session covering skills, drills and game-based activities, with Sam and Ben sharing their experience from playing and coaching at the highest levels of the sport.

For the youngsters, it was a brilliant opportunity to learn from players who have experienced the professional game first-hand. Sam’s own journey made the occasion particularly special, having started his rugby career with Taunton before progressing to Exeter Chiefs and eventually representing Scotland on the international stage.

The coaching sessions were just the beginning. As the Titans prepared to take to the field, the stadium filled with young players from across the club, from our Rugby Rascals U6s through to the Eagles U16s, who took centre stage throughout the afternoon.

Pitch walks, player tunnels and a host of matchday activities gave the youngsters the chance to be part of the action, while families enjoyed plenty to keep everyone entertained. A hog roast, inflatable assault course, cake and sweets stall and other activities helped create a real family atmosphere around the stadium.

With around 100 young players attending across the day, the event was a fantastic showcase of the strength and enthusiasm within Taunton RFC’s youth section.

There was even time for some halftime entertainment, as a group of brave coaches took part in the now-famous Inflatable Mascot Race. In a dramatic finish, the inflatable pig claimed victory after a rather suspicious-looking collision with the inflatable shark just as it appeared to be taking control of the race!

For those who stayed on after the coaching sessions, Sam Skinner was also on hand to meet players, parents, members and guests, posing for photographs and answering questions about his rugby career. He later joined attendees at the Titan Pre-Match Carvery, where he was welcomed to the stage by the Club President for an entertaining Q&A.

Sam shared stories from his journey through the game, from his early days at Taunton to playing for Exeter Chiefs and Scotland, giving aspiring players an insight into what it takes to progress through the sport.

Youth Takeover Days have quickly become an important part of the Taunton RFC calendar, taking place at the beginning and end of each season and continuing to grow each year. More than simply a matchday event, they provide an opportunity for our young players and their families to experience the club at its best.

A huge thank you goes to Sam Skinner and Ben Hawley for giving their time and sharing their expertise, as well as to all the volunteers, coaches, players, parents and families who helped make the day such a success.

From the coaching pitch to the stands, the atmosphere around Somerfield Stadium was a brilliant reminder of what Taunton RFC is all about — rugby, community and creating memories together.

The future of Taunton Rugby Club is certainly looking bright.

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