We were delighted to welcome the England Elite Youth Academy U11 squad on Saturday 7 February for an action‑packed afternoon of rugby, bringing together 180 young players across 17 teams from eight local clubs, three schools, and the national academy itself.
The England Elite Youth Rugby Academy, based at the National Sports Centre at Bisham Abbey, is the country’s leading youth development programme for aspiring players. Their U11 squad, made up of 40 talented children representing 11 counties, 36 schools and 24 clubs, has just embarked on an intensive 18‑month programme in preparation for the Florida 7s, the largest youth rugby tournament in North America.
A day of skill, spirit and sporting excellence
The tournament was buzzing with energy as players showcased exceptional teamwork, determination and sportsmanship throughout the afternoon’s fixtures.
A standout moment was the performance of the U11 Barbarian team – a mixed squad featuring players from S. Anselm’s, St Peter & St Paul’s, and Mylnhurst Preparatory School. One visiting Elite Academy coach praised their grit, describing them as “the toughest team we’ve faced.”
S. Anselm’s U12 team also delivered a superb showing, putting in strong defensive work and demonstrating impressive creativity in attack. Their several well‑crafted tries were especially noteworthy given that this is their first competitive year of rugby.
Celebrating community, partnership and youth sport
The event was coordinated by Mr Aaron Lloyd, Head of Rugby and Outreach at S. Anselm’s, who expressed his pride in our school’s role in nurturing young talent:
“We were delighted to host the Elite Youth Academy in preparation for their Florida Tropical 7s tournament next year. Our thanks to all the teams who participated, making it a true celebration of youth rugby, sportsmanship, and community spirit – and reflecting S. Anselm’s ongoing commitment to providing enriching sporting opportunities for all young players. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we already look forward to welcoming everyone back next year.”
Upcoming event: How sport shapes young people
Our sports team will host an evening seminar on Tuesday 10 March, exploring the powerful role physical activity plays in children’s development – from resilience and teamwork to confidence and academic focus.
Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or new to sport, the session will offer practical guidance and inspiration for supporting their unique sporting journey.
More information about this event can be found here.
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