Our Story
Many of the players, coaching staff and parents have been together from the start of the journey, right up to the present day. Looking back at the club registration records it shows that five players are still with us from under 6’s (Jimmy, Charlie, Sam, Cully and Joey), with Kier joining at under 7’s and Kody, Archie and Henry joining at under 8’s. So 9 of the players have made it all the way from under 8’s to under 16’s. Although it must be pointed out that Jimmy did have a sabbatical , but more on this later.
The Journey Begins
The Mini & Junior adventure kicked off in 2014, as the boys graduated from Little Ruggers (Under 4s) into the Under 6s that marked the beginning of their rugby story. Traditionally parents of little ruggers are coerced into forming a coaching team and support team for their children. The coaching team of Jono Edwards, Rob Bolton, Nat Wiles, Will Forrester and Charlie Insley was created. Back in those days there was no Battlestead Croft with its five full size pitches. Sunday morning were spent on the Ox-hay washlands by the River Trent. A job in itself to try and get 7 and 8 year olds down to the pitches and back again to the safety of Peel Croft and the customary hot dog.
Jimmy moves to the dark side
Disaster would strike the inaugural coaching team as at the age of 8 James (Jimmy) Edwards decided to drop rugby in favour of playing football. This meant his father, Jono, had to relinquish his role of Team Manager and endure the delightful world of Sunday kid’s football. Rob Bolton would take up the role of Team Manager, a role which he retains to the present day. The void left by Jono would be filled by Graeme Black who joined the coaching team when his son Archie joined the playing group. It was not all bad news for Jono as Jimmy finally saw sense and in 2021 re-joined the team as they started their under 12 season.
New additions & Rising Influence
Over the years the team have welcomed new additions to the team who have been attractive by the clubs set-up at Battlestead Croft, the overall running of the club and most importantly the level of coaching which is provided. This has been further enhanced by the inclusion of two 1st XV senior men’s players who have had a massive influence on each individual player and the team as a whole. With over 50 1st XV appearances between them, their presence has had a profound impact on both individual players and the squad’s dynamic. Their guidance, insight, and leadership have been invaluable, and a heartfelt thank you goes out from all the parents, coaches, and players for the time and energy they’ve invested
Staffordshire Champions
The impact of George and Harry has gone far beyond inspiration—it’s been instrumental in elevating individual skills and team cohesion. Once considered perennial underdogs to the likes of Newcastle and Tamworth in the junior ranks, Burton’s U15s stepped out of the shadows in March 2025, claiming their biggest victory to date, a thrilling win over Tamworth in the Staffordshire Junior Cup Final.
On that same day, Newcastle and Telford faced off in the plate final. Notably, both had already fallen to Burton enroute to the cup showdown, proof that this squad didn’t take the easy road. The win was hard-earned, well-deserved, and symbolic of the team's growth and determination.
Now, with a target firmly on their backs, Burton enters the new season with a clear mission, to defend the title and go back-to-back in the Cup. The boys know the challenge ahead, and they’re ready to rise again.
The Last Dance
As the squad embarks on its final season of junior rugby, one experience stands above the rest, the long-awaited tour to Parma, Italy this October. The tour represents a celebration of everything the team has built together - friendship, resilience, and a deep love for the game. Behind the scenes, an extraordinary amount of time, energy, and passion has gone into making it happen. From meticulous planning to tireless fundraising, the goal has always been the same - to create memories that will stay with these young players for the rest of their lives. This final chapter wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging those who helped make it possible. A huge thank you to all of our sponsors whose generosity and support have helped turn this dream into reality. Here’s to one last dance, on Italian soil, under Parma’s sun, and with hearts full of rugby.
