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Rugby - Sports for Children

This article was supplied by Chas Kimber. Chas is the Junior Section Chairman at Fordingbridge Rugby Club. Fordinbridge Rugby Club run Junior Rugby teams called The Rockets starting with children as young as 5. To contact Fordingbridge Rugby Club visit FordingbridgeRFC

Is there a good age for children to start playing Rugby?
Children can start playing tag rugby as soon as they are old enough to start school. Different children become ready at different ages. Some children do not take to tag rugby and can not wait to be old enough to participate in the full contact version.

Please could you list all the necessary equipment a child would require to get started playing Rugby?
To start tag rugby all the child needs is a pair of boots (soccer boots are fine as long as they have moulded studs) and something suitable to run about in. A gum shield is recommended.

Are there any particular brands of equipment you would recommend for beginners?
No.

How much would someone expect to pay for good quality items listed above?
Boots for a small child can be bought for between 10 and 20 Pounds. A low cost gumshield can be bought for 5 Pounds. I recommend buying kit from a specialist independent sports shop, not a sports shop chain. You will get good advice and lower prices from a specialist sports shop, and often a discount if you mention you belong to a local club.

Is there a second hand market for these items? If so, are then any particular signs someone should look out for to ensure the equipment will stand the test of time?
Second hand boots are always worth buying if they fit your child. Most mini rugby clubs run a kit shop which includes a second hand section.

Is there any ongoing maintenance of this equipment required?
No.

Can you recommend a handful of good quality instruction books that will help a child to make a flying start with this sport?
No.

How much should a parent expect to pay for lessons?
Membership of most clubs is between 30 and 50 Pounds per season. Many clubs (including ours) make a reduction for younger brothers and sisters.

How can parents identify a good teacher/club (qualifications etc)?
All coaches should have some type of RFU approved qualification and must have been CRB checked.

To become proficient, how many hours per week would you suggest a child should practice?
This depends on the child, but generally speaking for children under the age of 10, 1 - 2 hours per week at the club session would be enough.

Although it will vary from child to child how long does it normally take for a child to become competent in this sport?
An average athletic child would be able to enjoy and fully participate in tag rugby after 2 - 3 hours coaching.

Are there any formal qualifications in this sport that the child should aim to achieve?
No.

Are there any other important tips you could offer?
Enjoy it!

For all your rugby equipment needs:

Your Views

Posted by: miket Posts: 1 From: Aberdeenshire		Rugby This is some excellent information for parents on getting their kids involved in sports and rugby it's a great way to keep in shape make friends and be active. I just got some ICC World Twenty20 tickets for my family and I to go watch some of the best teams compete.

	Posted: 10/Sep/08 at 1:22:02

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