Arataki Sports Club is pushing ahead with its aim to become the most family-orientated club in the Western Bay by offering free-fee rugby for all junior grades this term to youngsters aged four to 13.

Club president Charles Russell says the free-fee offer for U13s-U6s continues from 2015, thanks to generous sponsors and cements the club's move to be a family-orientated community organisation.

Some of the action from the club's younger stars last season. Photo: DropsPhotography.

'Just like any club we're trying to remove the blockages for kids to participate. With Arataki not being a rich area so to speak, you take the fees away and they just have to turn up. And we've got mechanisms to help them with boots etc and just get them involved and be apart of it,” says Charles.

'For us, it's about the kids and the family network and this is in line with our strategic vision.”

The club's new constitution frames their efforts, with its core value ‘family' – 'that's our acronym”.

'‘Family' stands for Family focus, Arataki proud, Mana, Integrity, Leadership and Youth.”

Charles says families who join the club connect with support networks – and not just within a team.

'We're just trying to do what we can as a community organisation and participation is key – we want full grades, get bums through the door and to provide an environment that's fun and positive for the kids and everyone is welcome – we're not turning anyone away.”

Charles says junior grades have high level training, thanks to highly qualified coach Marty Bourke. 'He's really helping our coaching programmes going forward.” And the grades are supported by older players being role models.

'Our senior players are engaged to coach all the junior grades – so for our premiere group it's an expectation to not only be a good player but also a role model for young players.”

Charles says the club, established in 1971, has about 500 members. 'But it's not about numbers. We to want provide mum, dads, grandparents and children a nurturing family environment in this club…and we appreciate volunteers as well.”

Targeting filling the kids, women's rugby and netball teams, the club welcomes boys, girls and ladies to think about joining. To join, email [email protected] or call Charles Russell on 021 240 1898.