Mini Juniors Welcome
Welcome to Lichfield rugby club’s Mini Junior section
This is currently rugby's closed season. The 2013/14 season starts Sunday 1 September 2013.
Children from as early as Reception class at school can start playing rugby in our Under 6 age group, that we call Rugger Rats. Both boys and girls are welcome, with age groups being mixed until the Under 12’s. The Mini Junior section looks after children right the way up to our Under 16 age group.
Our emphasis is children first; winning second. This is vital if children are to find rugby a positive experience. We try to keep the fun in both practice and competition. Our coaches treat each child as an individual, as we recognise children develop at different rates. It is important for us to work with you as well because parents, just like coaches, teachers, etc., will help influence how any child develops as a person and a rugby player. We fully support the RFU core values – Teamwork; Respect; Enjoyment; Discipline; Sportsmanship - and want to reinforce the positive attitude this embodies and the actions of fair play.
Don’t be surprised if you find our coaches not teaching rugby. It is as important that children learn and develop the fundamentals of movement – agility; balance; coordination; speed – as much as rugby skills.
Depending on whether your child is in Year 1 or Reception at school, Rugger Rats takes place between 09:15 to 10:00 or 10:15 each Sunday morning. Our other age groups hold their sessions between 10:30 and 12:00. Our junior age groups also have midweek training sessions as well. The 2013/14 season lasts from Sunday 1 September 2013 until 4 May 2014.
From the Under 7 age group upwards it is allowable to play competitive rugby against other clubs. Our fixture secretaries strike a balance between training, friendly matches and Staffordshire Rugby Union league or cup competitions throughout the season. You can find details of the Mini Junior fixtures for each age group on their individual website page.
There are strict limits on how many matches Mini Junior players can participate in. This helps us make sure that everyone has the opportunity to play throughout the season.
All the coaches, managers and first aiders within the Mini Junior section are unpaid volunteers, meaning we are always on the lookout for more help. They have all been CRB checked and are re-checked every 3 years. Our coaches undertake specific RFU training before they start working with children and many are RFU licensed coaches, undertaking regular continuing professional development.
With Rugger Rats being the earliest introduction to rugby, the cost to participate is £2 per week, payable on the day. Our other age groups cost £50 for the child for the season, which helps cover the costs of running the Mini Junior section. The club also asks one parent to join as a social member at a cost of £45 for the season, to help meet the running costs of the club itself in terms of the facilities.
Anyone is always welcome to come and try rugby. We are happy for new players to participate for a short period, whilst they find out if they like it, before they need to pay their subs for the season. In terms of what to wear, dress for the weather and have plenty of thin layers that can be added, or taken off, as needed. If it is dry, trainers will be fine to start or, boots with studs if you have them. We have a club shop and once your child has settled in, you can buy club kit from there
Please make sure your child brings a drink with them to keep them hydrated and we look forward to seeing you one Sunday morning!
Mini Junior Chairman