CALNE got their new junior section up and running with a successful launch at the town's John Bentley School at the weekend.

Former Bath, Wellington and Sale prop Kevin Yates once wore the colours of Calne and John Bentley School, and it is now hoped the club can unearth some more stars in the future.

More than 50 youngsters joined Bath Rugby players Gareth Knox and Rob Hawkins, and Jimmy Dean, Bath's rugby community development manager, for a morning of fun and education.

The event was officially opened by Calne mayor Tony Trotman, a scrum-half himself in his days at John Bentley.

Dorset & Wilts RFU president John Wilding and Steve Silk, Wiltshire's sport development officer, were also in attendance,while Calne chairman Sean Lambourne took a hands-on role during the coaching sessions.

Melksham's under 12 team accepted an invitation to join in the festivities, and their presence was invaluable on the day.

Once Calne's new youth section is fully up and running they hold their first full training session this coming Sunday at John Bentley School (10-11.30am), they will be looking to play their opening games against Melksham and also form combined teams with their Wiltshire neighbours when numbers are low in certain age groups.

On Saturday, Dean split the boys into four groups and oversaw a series of fun drills and games, assisted by the two Bath players and senior players from the Calne club.

Calne have successfully recruited a number of coaches to lead their weekly sessions at John Bentley, and these include first team player Mike Palfrey, Alan Matthews, Dave Lucas and Nick Norgrove.

First team players Alan Wicks and Matty Arnold will also be under taking an RFU Level 1 coaching course to support the youth section coaches.

The success of the new youth section can only be achieved by volunteers such as these, and the club are hoping that more step forward in time to assist.

It is the club's intention to always have two adults supervising each age group, and they are appealing to any parents, family members, senior players, club members and first-aiders to support the coaches.

Said Matt Snell, Calne's development officer: "We would like to hear from those who can give up one Sunday morning a month so that we can build a rota of support and not over-burden any one individual.

"Coaching experience is not necessary, but you will be required to hold pads and encourage the lads.

"The initial interest for the lads would indicate that we could run an under 12, under 13 and under 15 team and soon after, depending on Sunday's interest, an under 14 team too.

Calne committee members Peter Brummell and Graeme Robinson also put in a lot of work to make their launch day a success, as did Phil Thomas, who organised refreshments in the Recreation Club.

Bath Rugby stepped up the intensity after lunch with some controlled contact sessions, with the younger boys enjoying wrestling their friends to the mud during static tackling coaching.

The more experienced boys played closely controlled games and only their beaming smiles were visible though the mud.

Anyone willing to become involved, or anyone wanting further information should contact secretary Peter Brummell on 01249 822701, or email him at peter.brummell@btopenworld.com.