Catterick Crusaders U12s Show Growth and Grit at Yarm Wolves Festival.

The U12s travelled to the Yarm Wolves Festival over the weekend, taking part in 3 competitive matches. This marked just their second appearance on a full-size pitch, a format that had previously tested the team during an earlier festival, where they struggled with both attacking cohesion and defensive coverage.

The challenges of adapting to the larger playing area were evident in that first outing. With gaps in positioning and coordination, it became clear that a fresh approach was needed. The coaching team responded swiftly, going back to the drawing board to identify key areas for development and came up with a simplified game plan.

The new strategy was both smart and straightforward: divide the squad into two units, each responsible for one half of the field, left or right. Players were in charge of defending their zone with discipline while supporting attacking phases through clear communication and structured play. As part of the new offensive strategy, the team worked through three sets of plays down one side before swinging the ball wide on the fourth, an approach that paid dividends, resulting in a number of well-worked tries.

The transformation was clear to see. The players embraced the system, communicated effectively, and showed a vastly improved understanding of positional play. Defensively, they held their ground with purpose. In attack, they played with intent and structure. And crucially, they began scoring tries consistently.

More than just the on-field success, the biggest win was the confidence and camaraderie building within the group. The team played with energy, resilience, and a visible sense of enjoyment. They supported each other, adapted to the tactical changes, and took real pride in their progress.

This festival marked an important step in the Catterick Crusaders U12s’ development journey. With every outing, they’re growing in confidence, sharpening their skills, and learning the value of teamwork. The future is bright for this promising young squad.

Match report courtesy of coach Baz!