The coaching line-up for the Malvern RFC Youth Development Section has been announced.

This follows a busy summer which has seen all of the YDS coaches obtaining new or upgrading their current RFU coaching qualifications to provide high quality training and leadership to the junior rugby players of Malvern Rugby Club for the 2002-03 season.

Simon Dixon, a former Malvern 1st XV flank forward who helped Malvern achieve success at Twickenham in 1994, takes on the role of head coach for the U17 squad with outdoor activities teacher Stewart Puttick as his assistant and former Malvern and Camp Hill scrum-half, Tim Clarke as the squad manager. Simon Dixon will also be a North Midlands RFU staff coach for the Worcestershire U15 (Clubs) Development Group.

Leading the U15/16 squad as head coach will be the former Worcester prop forward Adam Blackmore, with Anthony Wheaton as assistant coach and Anne Blackmore and Bruce Johns making-up the management team.

Gary Tolley will be the head coach of the U14 squad with Thomas Mason and Dan McToal making up the management team. He will also be a staff coach for the Worcestershire U14 (Clubs) Development Group and the head coach for the Malvern Hills U14 District Development Group that is being set up as part of the Worcestershire Active Sports programme.

Heading the U13 squad as chief coach will be the popular Simon Bott with Allun Fuller and Robin Chambers as assistant coaches and former Malvern 1st XV centre, Ray Williams as squad manager.

Andy Page will be on hand as the U12 squad head coach with John Allison standing in as Andy's assistant until a new appointment is made later in August. Rod Webber will continue as squad manager.

Paul Ferguson and Ian Budd will be the head coaches for the U9 and 10 squads respectively with a host of keen parents wanting to take on the role of managers and helpers throughout the season.

The U11 and U7/8 squads have yet to have a coach and management team appointed and the lack of qualified leaders for these two key development groups is becoming a big concern for Malvern Rugby Club with the start of the new junior rugby season only six weeks away.

The club would like to hear from anyone who would like to take on the roles. Full RFU coaching and management training will be provided. For more details contact Malvern RFC on 01684 573728.