SWINDON RFC hope to give their blossoming junior section a big boost by linking up with a major professional club side.

The Greenbridge Road club hope to follow the example of Chippenham, who have close ties to Zurich Premiership side Bath.

Talks are underway with a 'major premier club' academy to discuss Swindon becoming a feeder club in exchange for coaching seminars to help development.

At present, Swindon provide facilities for 12 junior/mini teams with players from all over North Wiltshire, including several county players.

Plans are also underway to build a new clubhouse and stand with a large family room and additional changing rooms to support the increasing junior/mini section.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Swindon, Derek Benfield, was on hand to present Swindon's promising young players with their end-of-season awards.

Accolades were handed out to all age groups, from under 15s through to under 17s.

The achievements of the club's county players, who represented Dorset & Wilts age group team this season, were also celebrated.

Awards have also been handed out to some of the club's younger age groups.

Trophies went to the most improved player, players' player and coaches' player of the year in each age group.

In addition, team awards went to the under 10s, 11s and 12s for their Melksham Festival achievements.

Awards

Under 13: Player of the Year - Liam Loader-Rowe; Players Player of the Year - Jamie Clark; Most Improved player - Ben Loosemore

Under 14: Player of the Year - Phil Cozens; Players Player of the Year - Jason Wright; Most Improved player - Matt Luker & Lee Reeves

Under sevens and eights (combined): Player of the Year - Joshua Lee, George Bates; Most Improved - Nicholas Arrell, Jack Mepham-Coles.

Rookies of the Year - Jacob Ford, Liam Griffiths

Under nines: Player of the Year - Cameron Panting, Jason Grunsell; Players' Player - Cameron Panting; Most Improved Player - James Southwood, Chris Allen.

Under 10: Player of the year - Kiersten Baddeley; Players' Player - Matthew Walsh; Most Improved - Ryan Ashworth

Under 11: Player of the Year - Liam Davis; Players Player of the Year - Grant Walker; Most Improved player - Vincent Baker; Tony Sheppard Award - Charlie Armstrong, Tom Barron.

Under 12: Player of the Year - Andrew Pederson; Players Player of the Year - Daniel Brown; Most Improved player - Alan Chappell

For more information, or to support the club contact them on 01793 521148.