To move forward we have to first know where we came from, and ultimately where our final destination is.

The Mini & Junior Section was set up in 2005, through Chairman John Bithell’s realisation that for this club to be self sustaining and have a rosier future we had to generate our own players at all senior levels.

This arduous task fell to Paul ‘Woody’ Woodward as Youth Development Officer to create the Mini and Junior Section which started by forging links with local primary schools. This had quick results and we began to see a small band of mini players ‘down the lane’ on a Sunday morning for training. This grew to 40-50 and we were able to produce three sides: U9s, U11s & U14s. We played in T shirts as the ‘proper’ shirts weren’t ready in time; but we didn’t care, we played rugby against Tyldesley as a curtain raiser to a 1st team match.

Paul is no longer at the club, but we thank him for his efforts in setting up the MJS section within LSH.

A committee was formed in 2006 under the chairmanship of John Foster, with very simple goals of fielding sides at as many age groups as possible, and grow as quickly as possible. John is still on the MJS committee and works for the RFU as St. Helens CRC. In 2006 the club gained ‘clubmark’ accreditation from the RFU.

Key people on the committee were John Foster as Chair, Rugby Coordinator and Girls Rugby; Trude Houghton as Welfare Officer; Elaine Smith as Treasurer; Tommy Jackson, Barry Ford and Ste Metcalf as Rugby Coaching and Development; and Paul Killilea as Secretary.
In April 2009 John Foster stepped aside and a new Chairman was appointed, Tom Jackson (former first team prop until 2009 and instigator of the “Casuals”). Tom’s objectives were to put the section on a sound self sustainable footing, this was done through a variety of self help fund raising initiatives.

The section established a firm financing and rugby development strategy and was able to develop teams at every age from U7 to U16.  Girls rugby at U15 and U18 flourished under John Foster and a Youth Committee was formed.  Several MJS teams entered the Lancashire Cup for the first time and in 2010 the U13s won the Vase. Junior Teams have now commenced touring.

In March 2011 the Club received the prestigious RFU Whole Club Seal of Approval, becoming at the time of the award one of the first 50 clubs in England to hold it

Tom Jackson has stepped down as chairman and  Steve Metcalfe has been elected in his place. Tom remains on the committee and a new slightly larger committee is now in place to take the section forward into the future.

In the 2011-12 season, it will be the first year where we will field an entire MJS section i.e. U7s to U17s on the field of play.
The objective of the MJS during the next 2 years will be.

· To grow player numbers so no age group is at risk due to low player numbers.

· To compete in the upper county competitions at all age groups.

· To progress the Centre of Excellence not only for players but coaches as well, with the aim of raising the skills of both.

· To generate a production line of players to feed senior colts and ultimately the 1st XV.

· To produce players able to gain age group district & county honours.

· To sustain the fund raising programme set in place by Tom Jackson.

· To host a County finals day at MJS & Colts level.

· To hold rugby camps in April & October as a recruitment tool.

· To continue with the philosophy of rugby for all.

· To develop a sustainable girls U15 & U18 side.

· To forge closer links with the Senior Section of the club.

If you wish to help as a player or volunteer please do not hesitate to contact Steve Metcalfe on 07554 430511 or any committee member or coach at any age group.