Mini Rugby in Middlesex
Marie Curie U11 & U12 Mini Festival 2011 at Wasps, Twyford Road
Minis Fixture Exchange
The Middlesex Minis Fixtures exchange is to be held at Grasshoppers RFC on Thursday 12th January 2012 from 19:30 to 21:30
This is an opportunity for clubs in Middlesex and surrounding counties to meet, network and arrange fixtures for the 2012/2013 season.
Please pass on the details to the relevant person in your club.
Most budding rugby players are introduced to the sport either at school or at a local rugby club. Tag rugby and touch rugby are the most popular forms of the game for younger children, both boys and girls, as they promote key skills such as passing, scoring, movement and tactical awareness while the rules do not permit full contact.
As children get older and improve their skills they can move towards the more competitive seven or 15-a-side forms of the game. There is no limit to how far children can go, and the foundations are crucial. But for those who enjoy the tag, touch or beach variations, there are competitions and leagues dedicated to fulfilling the needs of enthusiasts.
Mini rugby is provided by over 20 clubs in Middlesex. It has been designed for children from 6 to 12 as way of introducing rugby to youngsters in a fun and progressive way.
The younger age groups, from school year 1 to year 3 play tag rugby. This is a non-contact version of the game that focuses on passing, space awareness and running (hopefully towards the try line). At school-year 4 and above, the players slowly progress, year by year, towards the full version of the game.
Mini rugby is all about having fun and playing in a safe, family environment. The majority of coaches are parents who have been RFU trained and have been CRB checked. The coaches understand the ages of the children they are coaching and are able to convey the spirit of the game to the young people involved.
It is especially important that all young players and parents understand rugby’s core values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
Clubs organise friendly fixtures and take part in rugby festivals, including the three festivals organised for the County. All games are played in a friendly spirit with an emphasis of encouragement and respect for players and officials.
Clubs often organise tours to visit clubs in other parts of the country; a fantastic experience for everyone lucky enough to take part. Mini rugby is a real opportunity for young people to learn more than just a sport. The game’s ethos of camaraderie and team spirit are positive influences upon all who take part.
Rugby is open to everyone, boys and girls, no matter the ability. Sessions are normally held on Sunday mornings and the season runs from the first Sunday in September through to the end of April.
Age groups within Mini Rugby
Mini rugby is the first step on the rugby ladder, and chidren play age group rugby from as young as five through to 12 with the emphasis on providing a fun, friendly and safe environment for children of all abilities to enjoy rugby and develop their skills. The age group is derermied by the age of the child on 31st August.
The youngest age group is U6s which which offers a fun, yet structured approach to the game and teaches ball handling skills and team building. At this age group, the children play non-contact forms of the game such as touch-rugby and tag. A tag rugby team consists of seven players and the removal of a velcro tag by a player from the opposing team represents the tackle. Girls and boys usually play together (although some clubs do run girls only mini rugby).
From there, the U7s teams hone their ball and tagging skills at weekly training sessions, often held in conjunction with other clubs to offer the children a broader experience. At this age group, they are also introduced to competitive games against other clubs. This continues through the U8 age group, with the concept of contact rugby being introduced.
At U9, contact and tackling is gradually introduced to the game, and the team size increases to nine players with three substitutes. The children learn to ruck and maul, and a three-man uncontested scrum is introduced to allow them to learn to scrummage safely. A two man, uncontested line-out is also added at this age group.
At U10, scrums and line-outs are contested. At U11 the team size increases to 15 with 12 on the pitch and three substitutes and a second row is added to the scrum.
By U12 the children progress to competing in full contact rugby. At U13, players progress to youth rugby.
Getting Involved
Parents are actively encouraged to get involved with coaching, first aid and administration; all the required training is provided by the club.
Clubs are always looking for new players so contact your local club today and get involved!
Minis Rugby Festivals
Middlesex Rugby runs mini rugby festivals at grounds throughout the county to give the children a real rugby exprience and maintain their interest. Visit Marie Curie U12 Festival to find out more.
Keeping children safe
The safety of children and young adults is of paramount importance and Middlesex Rugby takes the subject very seriously. We are committed to ensuring that young people, whatever their background, enjoy the game in a fun environment, safe from any kind of abuse. Visit our Safeguarding page to find out more about Middlesex Rugby's safeguarding policies.
Further Information
For more information about mini rugby, please contact Russell Price, tel: 07770 666005 or email: russellprice@me.com