IT has been an exciting year for the Malvern under 12s team.

With new additions to the squad and some nail-biting games they have progressed into a strong and talented team.

All the hard work from the coaches, parents and players has also shown off the pitch with the organisation of sponsored walks through the cold and muddy Malvern Hills and cake sales to raise money for the squad.

The team are currently preparing to go on their first rugby tour down to Butlins in Minehead.

As well as a great chance for the team to bond off the field this will give them the opportunity to showcase their talents on a national scale in the Leicester Tigers Challenge where 250 teams from across the country will be attending.

Local companies have got behind the boys and helped with funding.

New players are welcome at training on Tuesdays at Spring Lane at 5.45pm with games played on Sunday mornings.

Team manager Ben Clark's contact details can be found at pitchero.com/clubs/malvernrfc.

Meanwhile, Malvern under 11s went on tour to Wales.

Fourteen players and 12 parents left Malvern early and headed off to the Brecon Beacons for a day of exploring the mountains.

They played two Welsh teams Cefn Coed and Gwernyfed.

All the sides scored a number of excellent tries.

Afterwards all three teams met up in the clubhouse to talk through the matches while eating their post-match food.