Each year during the Easter period a ‘small army’ leaves the environs of Farnham. It comprises young players (think elite shock troops), proud parents, (a mixture of catering, transport and pay corps), assorted siblings (non-combatants) and ‘coaches’ (hard bitten NCO’s). It is the annual Farnham Mini’s rugby tour.

Where the above metaphor breaks down, however, is in the word ‘small’. The 2008 tour comprised 170 players and 513 people in total. This is an over 15 % increase on last year’s numbers and is not only a record for Farnham RUFC but we think a record for a Minis tour from any club.  (If you think different let us know). It reflects the tremendous growth in popularity in rugby locally amongst our children. It also shows the commitment of the club and the parents towards rewarding that enthusiasm. Finally no event of this size and complexity can happen without the inspiration, perspiration and dedication of a lot of people plus the financial support  of our sponsors (see column at right of this page).

This years tour based itself at Brean Sands, Somerset (April 4-7th) and in between boosting the local economy played two great fixtures at Wells and Bradford on Avon. Besides the host clubs, Farnham met teams from Windsor (fellow tourists), Frome, Walcot (Bath) and Trowbridge. (See: How we performed)

The 2008 tour deliverables were ‘’ Rugby, Family, Fun’’  We began the tour with  a Welcome reception followed the next morning by a beach invasion of D-Day proportions to get some official Tour photos. (Watch this space for how to order your tour photos.)

We finished the tour with a brilliant Tour Dinner featuring F Factor’ (ritual coach humiliation thinly disguised as a talent show), kangaroo court and a real, genuine tribute band ‘That’s Life’ for the mum’s.
(See F Factor – not for the faint hearted)

The kids? They had 72 hours of rugby based fun. Mission accomplished thanks to the tireless commitment and skill of the committee.