Old Pats U16s has over forty boys from local schools. Our home/ training ground is Old Pats RFC at Everest Road, where we meet on Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. for training or matches and also run additional training each Tuesday evening.
Our coaching team comprises seven coaches, led by our head coach, Ross Freebury. While the coaching team is focused on developing our players, we also emphasise the fun element, getting together with friends, creating a great team spirit, and having a good time, with a view to the boys becoming rugby players right through to adulthood.
The Old Pats U16s is a mixed-ability squad that trains as a whole group, with Ross providing focused and challenging training sessions. These sessions build on the skills learnt so far and aim to ensure each player achieves their potential.
We have been together for seven years now. Many of our players have been with us since the U9s, but we have evolved with new players joining us each year. We continue to welcome any newcomers who would like to join us.
We had another great season last year, playing over 20 fixtures, between the GRFU U15 league and friendly matches. And we ended the season with an epic tour to Holland. We played rugby, we watched rugby, then we played more rugby, and the sun continued to shine!
We are very much looking forward to the 2025/26 season. We will continue to build upon our achievements so far, where we see continued improvement in the boys’ skills whilst creating and maintaining supportive relationships with each other.
The focus is on the RFU’s TREDS values and ensuring, with our mixed ability squads, that all players achieve their potential and understand the importance of teamwork, whilst at the same time, having a great time with their friends.
Support from parents is welcomed. This doesn’t have to just be on the touchline (though we encourage this!) but if anyone can lend a hand with coaching, match reports, or photography, let us know!
Head coach, Ross leads our coaching team, and is ably supported by Rob M. Most of our coaching team have been with the group since we started at U9s, some being keen supporters even before this when our age group was still playing tag. We have a spread of training across the group that includes RFU rugby coaching qualifications, CPD, first aid and “play it safe”.
Our aim being to develop our players whilst ensuring their welfare and safety. Team manager, Andrea, attempts to keep everyone in order and, most importantly, makes sure that there are enough hot dogs at the end of a match.
Our Club Ethos, based around the RFU core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship (TREDS), is at the very heart of everything we do.
We are committed to developing the confidence and self-belief of every player from the U9’s to the Seniors by providing them with the opportunities, encouragement and support they need to enjoy their rugby to the full and fulfil their potential as a player and a teammate.
To this end, the rugby environment we create for our young players, irrespective of ability or experience must be safe, fun, and inclusive.
Old Pats is committed to mixed ability sides offering equal opportunity for all as players develop skills at different ages. Investing in all our players, rather than a select few, results in players, parents, teams, and the club as a whole benefiting in the long term.
| Month | Date | Opposition/Activity/Event | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September | 07/09/2025 | Training | H | |
| 14/09/2025 | Training | H | ||
| 21/09/2025 | Minchinhampton | H | ||
| 28/09/2025 | Old Cryptians | A | ||
| October | 05/10/2025 | Longlevens | A | |
| 12/10/2025 | Dursley | H | ||
| 19/10/2025 | Tewkesbury | A | ||
| 26/10/2025 | Old Richians | H | ||
| November | 02/11/2025 | Gordon League | H | |
| 09/11/2025 | Drybrook | H | ||
| 16/11/2025 | Tetbury | H | ||
| 23/11/2025 | Cirencester | A | ||
| 30/11/2025 | Training | H | ||
| December | 07/12/2025 | TBC | TBC | |
| 14/12/2025 | Old Cryptians | H | ||
| 19/12/2025 | Cheltenham Tigers (Friday) | A | ||
| 21/12/2025 | XMAS | X | ||
| 28/12/2025 | XMAS | X | ||
| January | 04/01/2026 | Training | H | |
| 11/01/2026 | Dursley | A | ||
| 18/01/2026 | Tewkesbury | H | ||
| 25/01/2026 | Chosen Hill | H | ||
| February | 01/02/2026 | Drybrook | A | |
| 08/02/2026 | Old Richians | A | ||
| 15/02/2026 | Cirencester | H | ||
| 22/02/2026 | Wooton Bassett | H | ||
| March | 01/03/2026 | Minchinhampton | A | |
| 08/03/2026 | Newent | A | ||
| 15/03/2026 | Clifton | A | ||
| 22/03/2026 | Chosen Hill | A | ||
| 29/03/2026 | Newent | H | ||
| April | 05/04/2026 | EASTER | X | |
| 12/04/2026 | Cheltenham Civil Service | H | ||
| 19/04/2026 | TBC | TBC | ||
| 26/04/2026 | TBC | TBC | ||
| May | 03/05/2026 | TBC | TBC |
Old Pats RFC
52 Everest Rd, Cheltenham GL53 9LG
Drive through gates and park next to club house. Our pitches are in front of the club house.
Changing rooms can be accessed from the carpark. There are toilets in the clubhouse and beverages can be bought at the bar if open.
Following the 2025 AGM in August, we are pleased to publish our 3-Year Plan for Old Patesians RFC. This 3-Year Strategic Plan sets out a clear, ambitious, and inclusive path for our future. It’s not only about league tables and match results – it’s about creating a welcoming environment where people of all ages grow…
Old Patesians U15s Tour to Holland 2025 In the very early hours of 18th April, a party of 52 (27 boys & 25 parents) embarked on the first overseas tour by any Old Pats team (Juniors or Seniors) in well over 20 years. An epic coach journey spanning four different countries, a ferry, one hypermarket…
Season Finale for Old Pats U12sThe Last Dance In what was billed as their final outing of an unforgettable season, the Old Patesians Under 12s were invited to compete in the Bard’s Cup in Stratford-upon-Avon — a fitting stage for a team that has made a habit of writing its own script. Drawn into a…
Mixed Ability Junior Rugby Success with Old Patesians Old Patesians U12s have etched their names on two cups with a remarkable double, claiming both the inaugural John Brain Cup and the prestigious Land Rover Defender Cup on back-to-back weekends. Both tournaments supported and operated by Gloucester Rugby. These triumphs are not just fleeting moments…
The Colts withstood another weekend battering by the weather and a talented Cirencester outfit, this time emerging victorious with a bonus point to boot.
