Getting your children into rugby can be a great way to introduce them to sport and fitness. Rugby offers excitement and speed, requiring active participation from all players and parents can participate in kids rugby too, here’s how.
The sport is full of all kinds of people of all sizes and backgrounds and there is a huge social side to rugby culture.
It’s easy to get involved in rugby; clubs and schools are always happy to accept new players. It can be daunting for a parent or carer to know what first steps to take if they know little about the sport.
This guide should help get the ball rolling and show how to start your journey.
Find a local club or team:
Look for a local rugby club or team that offers programs for children. The majority of clubs will have a significant online presence. There you can learn about what teams they have and what ages they represent.
Social Media can be particularly good for showing what the club is like day to day. It will also give an idea of how engaged its members are in the community.
The RFU website has a complete directory of amateur clubs where you can filter by gender, contact level and age.
Beyond traditional local clubs, other avenues exist to get involved in rugby.
In cities and more built up towns, there are often amateur touch rugby leagues set in parks, providing more casual ways to get involved.
Your child’s school may also run after school sessions. This has the benefit of allowing your kid to play with their classmates.
England Touch, who coordinate touch rugby in England have a similar search tool to the RFU on their website for finding local teams.
Get the Right Gear:
Your children may need different levels of protective gear. This will different for different age groups.
Usually a player will use a shirt, shorts, rugby boots and mouth guard. A lot of this can be substituted from your child’s other athletic activities if you are not interested in investing in a lot of new kit. However, we do suggest using footwear that is designed for rugby, check out our list of the best kids rugby boots here.
Start with a Taster Session:
Many clubs offer taster sessions or trial periods. Attending these will help your kid experience the sport without having to commit.
Balance with Other Activities:
Encourage your children to try various sports and activities. Broadening their horizons is often more enriching than investing into only one activity.
We are aware that not everyone will love rugby like we do and there is a whole world beyond it.
Play at home:
Simple rugby games can be played anywhere, as long as you have a rugby ball and two willing players. This is also a great way to sharpen up basic skills and learn the essential skill of passing the ball at your own speed.
Educate yourself:
First and foremost, it’s essential to clarify that you don’t need an encyclopedic knowledge of rugby. You may not enjoy the sport as a spectacle and only care about your child’s opportunities.
However, we believe that having some rudimentary knowledge can enhance your child’s engagement. Furthermore, being able to talk about rugby with your child can play a significant role in fostering their interest in the sport.
Learning more can also help address any concerns you may have about rugby. We are mindful that rugby is a physical sport and safety will be at the forefront of your priorities.
Understanding how players and clubs deal with risk will give you more confidence as a parent. Our simple guide to The Rules of Rugby Made Easy is a great place to start as well our article on How Does Kids Rugby Differ From Adult Rugby?.
