Welcome to the Southern Raptors Rugby League Club!

Who are the Raptors?

The Raptors are a junior Rugby League club formed in 2011 to offer increased opportunities for junior players in North West Bristol. We will be competing in the Bristol Junior League Competition between May and July 2012 against other clubs from around the city. To find out more about the other teams and the overall format see the Junior Clubs page.

Where are the Raptors based?

We are based at Brislington Enterprise College – see below for address and a map. We train here each week and one of the tournaments will be held at the club.

How can I join the Raptors?

Contact one of the coaches listed below by emailing raptors@bristolsonics.com or use the contact us form here. Membership is open to anyone qualified to play in the Under-14 (school years 8 & 9) or Under-16 (school years 10 & 11) age group and costs just £20 for the season. A training t-shirt is included in the membership price plus all insurance and administration costs.

Who coaches the Raptors?

Martin Klijn:Martin began playing rugby league at school in Cumbria at the age of 11. He has since played for Bristol University (gaining full colours in 2006) and Bristol Sonics for 7 seasons; he has also gained experience playing for South West of England students and England Lionhearts West. He is currently the coach to Bristol University and one of the Sonics Junior coaches.  

Tom Curtis: Tom is a level 2 qualified coach and has played rugby league since 2003. During this time he has represented the Sonics, Bristol University, and the south of England students team.  Tom is the current 1^st team winger, his highlight having  scored to 8 points (close to a 1000) in the Challenge Cup in 2009. 

Both coaches are RFL Level 2 qualified and hold current first aid and Safeguarding & Protecting Children certificates which can be produced upon request.

When is training?

Training will be every Wednesday at 6:30pm from 2nd May. The coaching will start with developing core Rugby skills such as passing and tackling, as well as preparing players for the fast and exciting sport of Rugby League.  There is also a focus on progressing the coaching to learning about Rugby League game structure and more advanced skills such as kicking and defensive tactics to ensure players can express their potential during the matches.

When are matches?

All matches will take pace in tournaments with the 4 clubs (and invited others from the area) meeting at a single location and playing each of the other teams. The tournaments will take place on Sundays with exact dates TBC. 

Where can I find out more about rugby league?

Take a look at the RFL’s Guide to the Game

Do I need to have played rugby before?

No. Whilst most players will have played some sort of rugby before it is not essential as you will receive full coaching on the fundamentals of the game. However, you may have played RL in schools or be part of a Rugby Union team both of which will stand you in good stead.

Location

Brislington Enterprise College, Hungerford Road, Brislington, Bristol, BS4 5EY.