YOUNGSTERS Minehead Barbarians RFC enjoyed a surprise visit from England stars as they made the most of a special day out at Pennyhill Park.

Henry Slade, Joe Launchbury, Ben Moon – all key players in England’s recent Six Nations campaign – and World Cup winner Danielle Waterman, who grew up playing for Minehead before going on to earn 74 England caps, were on hand to assist in a training session.

The England players were there to recognise Minehead as Quilter Kids First Champions for the impressive approach the club is taking in growing the female game at Under-7 to Under-13 age levels.

Spirits were high as the kids got to run out onto the Pennyhill Park training pitch with the England players joining in with the training session.

The England stars passed on tips while showcasing their skills and the number of girls involved was particularly notable, highlighting the fantastic work that the club are doing to engage with the local community and schools.

Minehead RFC is the seventh of eight Champions this season to be selected for the prestigious grassroots award.

Waterman said: “It’s fantastic to be able to reward a club I have such fond memories of.

“It’s great to see so many young girls enjoying their rugby.

“The future of the female game certainly does look bright and its down to clubs like Minehead who work hard to get more girls involved.”

Hal Bretherton, Minis & Junior Chairman at Minehead RFC, said: “The whole team at Minehead Barbarians RFC are delighted to have won the award.

“Since taking the pledge, we have been committed to ensuring that children come first.

“Quilter Kids First Rugby has enabled the players, coaches and volunteers at our Club to focus on achieving a fun environment for all.

“We have continued to grow our girls’ section at almost every age grade and now have teams at Under 11, 13, 15 and 18.”

In addition to the training session with England’s Red Roses rugby stars, a select group of young players from Minehead RFC will also have the honour of playing on the hallowed turf of Twickenham Stadium at the end of the season.

The kids from winning clubs and schools will be treated as England Rugby players for the day as they enter through the famous Rose and Poppy Gates.

Mike Mainwaring, Head of Sponsorship at Quilter, said: “The Quilter Kids First approach is all about putting children first.

“It’s great to see the hard work Minehead Rugby Club has clearly put into adopting the Kids First approach.

“The future of the female game looks in good hands as participation continues to grow thanks to the work of local clubs.”