Junior Panthers set for first match

Set to compete in their first match at the end of the month, Panthers Junior Rugby Club called on the youth to join them.

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Formed earlier this year, it hopes to develop rugby in the community.

With a steady 60 players attending practices, the junior club caters for players between U6 and U18.

Since the end of last year, Edenvale Rugby Club has attempted to establish its youth division to not only promote the sport but help the club grow.

Established by rugby-loving father, Andrew Walker, with the assistance of others who wanted to see the youth flourish, the junior club hopes to create a long-lasting legacy.

Walker, the chairperson of the Panthers Junior Rugby Club, said it was established as a way to nurture his son’s and others interest in the sport.

Logan previously played for another club, however, when Covid-19 hit, there was no game time. Despite the setback, he has taken an interest in rugby, said Walker.

Walker said his son’s interest in the sport grew when he played in the KES Easter Festival in April.

The more rugby skills he can learn the better.

To do this Walker contacted two junior Lions players Daniel Kazadi and Hudson Mbatha and asked them to volunteer their time on Sundays to assist with coaching.

At the first practice, it was Logan and five of his friends.

Soon after the first practice, Walker contacted Ernie Enslin, Edenvale Rugby Club’s chairperson for permission to use the clubs facilities.

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Enslin, who welcomed Walker’s idea, informed him that Edenvale had been trying to establish a youth club.

With the approval from Enslin, the junior club started recruiting players from surrounding schools.

In a matter of three months, the club grew from three members to 60.

Walker said the community has responded positively since the clubs creation. The growth showed the community’s demand for more community rugby.

Since its establishment, Spencer Shaw, Steve Harty and Dale Kent have also joined the coaching team to assist the club.

Shaw, who has obtained his rugby honours, has played for the U21 Lions and boasts of international experience from the UK.

He said the promotion of rugby at the grassroots level is always important.

Since the club was formed it has grown quite nicely, thinking about what can be achieved gives me goosebumps, said Shaw.

Fellow coach and head of kicking Dale Kent echoed Shaw’s sentiments, highlighting that he wished there were more junior clubs while he was growing up.

Through the youth club, I hope the players can get more exposure, game time and experience. By starting young the players will learn the basics of the sport, said Kent.

Walker highlighted that all coaches are Boksmart accredited.

Grandfather Patrick Cupido said the club is a great initiative.

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At school, the children only play against each other but with club rugby, they are exposed to rugby on a greater level.

Cupido said what he enjoys about the management of Panthers Junior Rugby Club and those involved is that it is a group of committed people.

Everyone tries to make you feel welcome and is committed to the development of the sport.

Up until now the clubs management has funded operations, purchased equipment and covered costs out of its pocket.

Walker explained that since its inception no membership fees were charged.

Once we are more formalised, we will charge membership fees but we aim to keep them as low as possible to assist families.

He appealed to businesses to support the club as it grows.

He said Edenvale resident and the general manager of Tile Africa, Craig Irvine, has already shown his support for the club.

Walker said Irvine agreed to sponsor the club by providing toilets, basins and tiles to refurbish the existing bathrooms and changeroom facilities.

Over and above this donation, Tile Africa will donate R25 000 towards the children’s rugby kits.
As a resident of Edenvale this project is close to my heart, explained Irvine.

As a community, Edenvale residents get involved and help where they can.

The club is looking for sponsorship to revamp the grandstand.

It also needs donations towards club kits, which include branded kitbags, golf shirts, hoodies, socks for the U14 and U15 teams and shirts for the club management.

Panthers Junior Rugby Club is also hosting a raffle to raise funds for itself.

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Tickets for the raffle valued at over R36 000 went on sale on July 24 and will end on August 24.

Visit @panthersjuniorrugbyclub on Instagram to purchase a ticket or email walker.simone@icloud.com for more information.

Alternatively, visit its Facebook page for more information.

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