Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship
All About Us
Exeter Athletic Youth
At Exeter Athletic RFC, our Youth Rugby program is a proud part of England Rugby Age Grade, dedicated to providing a safe, enjoyable environment for every player. We champion the development of personal and social skills alongside a wide range of transferable multi-sport abilities. More than just rugby, being part of Exeter Athletic is about building lifelong friendships and creating cherished memories for the future.
Our Youth Section caters to children from Under 7 (Year 1) all the way to our Under 18's (Colts) in Years 12 & 13.
We start with tag rugby for our younger players (U7-U8), gradually introducing contact rugby as they progress to U9.
As a relatively new and thriving club, we’re excited to embark on a journey of continued growth and development. Join us as we foster a love for the game and create a supportive community for our youth players.
For more information or to get involved, please reach out to us today!
A Message From Our Mini & Youth Chairs
Welcome to another exciting season at Exeter Athletic RFC!
We’re David and Maria, and we’re really happy to be taking on the role of Mini & Youth Chairs. Having been part of this fantastic club for 19 years, it’s a privilege to give back to a community that has given so much to our family.
Our journey with Exeter Athletic began when our eldest son first joined the club back in 2007, both our boys have played for the club and we’ve had the pleasure of watching them both progress all the way through our youth section. Now aged 18 and 25, they are a testament to everything this club stands for – friendship, teamwork, resilience and a lifelong love of rugby.
Over the years, David has coached across almost every age group, while Maria has supported teams as Team Manager and continues to run the Club Kit Store, where you'll usually find her on match days! Between us we've also been fortunate to serve the club in a variety of volunteer roles, including Vice Chair, Volunteer Coordinator and Match Day Draw organisers. Volunteering has allowed us to meet so many wonderful people, and it's one of the things that makes this club feel like such a special family.
As Mini & Youth Chairs, our vision is simple: to continue growing our thriving youth section while ensuring every child feels welcome, valued and supported. Whether a player is picking up a rugby ball for the very first time or has been with us for years, we want every child to enjoy their rugby, build confidence, make lasting friendships and develop both on and off the pitch.
Player welfare will always remain at the heart of everything we do. We are incredibly fortunate to have dedicated coaches, team managers and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment where young people can flourish.
We're also passionate about supporting the continued growth of our girls' section and working alongside our Girls Lead to provide even more opportunities for girls to discover and enjoy rugby. Rugby truly is a game for everyone, and we want every family to feel they have a place at Exeter Athletic.
To all of our parents, carers, volunteers and supporters, thank you. Your commitment, encouragement and enthusiasm are what make this club such a welcoming place. If you've ever thought about getting involved, we'd love to hear from you – every volunteer makes a difference.
We can't wait to see what this season brings. Here's to great rugby, new friendships, unforgettable memories and another year of growing the Exeter Athletic family.
See you on the sidelines!
David & Maria
Mini & Youth Chairs
OUR TEAMS
UNDER 7's (Year 1 & 2)
Join our fun and friendly rugby family! Our Under 7s Tag Rugby sessions are all about learning through play, helping children take their first steps in rugby in a safe, supportive, and exciting environment. Through fun games and activities, players build confidence, make new friends, and discover the values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. We’re always delighted to welcome new players and volunteers. No previous rugby experience is needed – everyone is welcome.
Join our fun and friendly rugby family! Our Under 7s Tag Rugby sessions are all about learning through play, helping children take their first steps in rugby in a safe, supportive, and exciting environment. Through fun games and activities, players build confidence, make new friends, and discover the values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. We’re always delighted to welcome new players and volunteers. No previous rugby experience is needed – everyone is welcome.
UNDER 8's (Year 3)
Join our fun and friendly rugby family! Our Under 8s Tag Rugby team builds on the foundations learned in U7s, with fast-paced, enjoyable sessions that develop rugby skills, teamwork, and confidence. As players grow in ability, they continue to embrace our core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship while making lasting friendships and having fun. We welcome new players and volunteers throughout the season. All abilities and levels of experience are welcome.
UNDER 9s (Year 4)
At Exeter Athletic RFC, our U9s enjoy a fun, safe, and relaxed environment where they can develop and refine their rugby skills. Our training sessions are always creative, exciting, and full of energy—just like our enthusiastic coaches! Every child will leave with a huge sense of accomplishment, having had the chance to learn new skills, make new friends, and become an important part of a great team!
UNDER 11s (Year 6)
Our friendly U11s team is a joy, with supportive families and dedicated coaches, we delight in watching the children develop their skills and ignite a passion for the game. We emphasize Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline & Sportsmanship on and off the field.
Make new friends & join us for an exciting rugby journey!
UNDER 12s (Year 7)
The U12s are a great group of children and parents with a dedicated coaching team, fun and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, we are a team with a place for everyone, where teamwork and hard work are encouraged and everyone is made to feel welcome. We are really looking forward to building on the foundations and success of last season. We are looking to recruit new members and continue our growth.
UNDER 13s (Year 8)
We are a very warm and welcoming group of lovely children, parents and coaches. Coaches have a vast array of knowledge and experience and are here to help all children develop their love of rugby by giving them the right skills and knowledge to be the best that they can be whilst building a team family.
Come along and join us to give it a try.
UNDER 14s (Year 9)
At Exeter Athletic RFC, our Under 14’ team is where passion for rugby begins and grows. With a focus on skill development, teamwork, and having fun, our young players learn the fundamentals of the game while building lasting friendships. Guided by experienced coaches who prioritize sportsmanship and personal growth, our Under 14s are not just learning how to play rugby—they’re discovering the values of dedication, respect, and resilience.
UNDER 16s (Year 11)
Exeter Athletic U16s are a robust and resilient team. Known for their positive team spirit, strong defense and attacking flair, they are a core part of the rugby community. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting your rugby journey, the U16s will welcome you into their rugby family. Coached by tremendously dedicated coaches, the U16s are becoming stronger and more competitive and are destined for great success
COLTS (Year 12)
Exeter Athletic COLTS are a friendly and well respected team, welcoming players of all abilities to enjoy rugby. They are a well-travelled team, playing across Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, annual trips to Wales & Portugal. They are the current Devon Cup champions and hope to retain that title in the coming season, as well as a returning to Portugal, with their eyes set on getting further in the competition! They have a great squad, but are always actively seeking new players and welcome anyone who fancies coming along to give rugby a try, or established players looking to further an already well honed rugby ability, we welcome all alike.