Southmead junior rugby section was started in 1985 by Lee Gardiner, Mike Peirce, Derrick Southwood, Geoff Williams, Colin Jones and Gordon Saunders.

They wanted to give the children of North Bristol a place to go to as an alternative to hanging around on street corners – and they encouraged youngsters to take up rugby as an alternative.

The following season, the senior section which, currently plays in Western Counties North, was launched.

The junior section has had mixed fortunes over the years as numbers fluctuated, but was given a boost in 2006 when Ian 'Muddy' Waters, Daniel Brown and Billy Cotterall all became involved.

Since then, playing numbers have risen, with nearly 100 children involved on a Sunday morning.

The North Bristol club has now established links with three local schools, Fonthill, Badocks Wood and Littlemead and run a highly successful mini and junior tournament each year.

The club is working hard toward achieving the RFU 'Seal of Approval' and has six qualified coaches in their set-up.

Southmead run teams at Under-8s, 9s, 10s and Under-12s with some of last season,s Under-16 side helping out with the training on Sunday mornings when they haven't got a game. If you would like to see what's going on at Southmead contact 'Muddy' Waters at: muddy@southmeadrfc.co.uk or ring the clubhouse on 0117 959 3060.