Marr RFC Mini Rugby
David Milloy
Now in its fifth decade, mini rugby is an important part of Marr Rugby Football Club’s set-up. That being so, we met up with Russell Keene, Marr’s Mini Rugby Convenor, to find out about the version of rugby union that’s designed for children.
So, Russell, which age groups does mini rugby cater for?
“It’s for children from about three and a half years of age right up to age 12.”
What form does mini rugby take?
“It’s very much age-dependent. For the youngest children, it’s mostly about running and learning how to hold a rugby ball in both hands. At this age, the children don’t play any form of competitive rugby, there’s no physical contact, and the emphasis is very much on having fun.
“As children get a little older, we continue to teach them the basic skills – catching, passing, and running with the ball – and we introduce them to touch rugby through playing small-sided games. When they reach P3 age, we show them how to set up in defensive positions during a game. Again, though, the emphasis is very much on fun.”
At what age do children start learning to tackle?
“When they’re in the Primary 4 age group, we teach them proper tackling techniques, so they can learn how to tackle safely. To help with this, the teaching takes place on cushioned tackle mats, so that a gentle landing is assured. Once they’ve learned how to tackle, we introduce children to six-a-side games in which tackling is permitted. In these games, the ball is turned over to the other team after six tackles have been made.”
As in rugby league?
“Yes, although, we’re a rugby union club so we use the six tackle rule to make sure that each team gets an opportunity to both attack and defend. This helps to build their skills in both aspects of the game and it’s also more fun for the children.”
What about children in P5 and above?
“For P5 children, the coaching they receive is focused on enhancing the skills they’ve already learned and developing their ability to use those skills in a match situation.
“Children in P6 and P7 have the opportunity to play against other mini rugby teams in the SRU Schools Conference. These teams, which play their games under the Marr College banner are run by Marr RFC in association with Marr College.”
Who provides the coaching?
“Most of our coaches are volunteers. All of them are registered with the SRU, have completed the RugbyRight course, and are members of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme. Those of us who coach P4 children and above must also hold a Scottish Rugby Union coaching qualification. Colin Sturgeon, who plays at stand-off for the club’s first XV, is our Head of Youth Rugby in partnership with Marr College and the SRU. He works closely with local schools as well as coaching both children and adults at the club. Colin also runs the club’s mini rugby summer camp, in which 110 children participated this July.”
How many children are currently participating in Marr’s mini rugby programme?
“300 children: 245 boys and 55 girls. That’s the highest number of children we’ve ever had in the mini rugby programme but we’re keen to attract more. Mini rugby has so much to offer in so many ways.”
What would you say are the benefits of mini rugby?
“First and foremost, it’s great fun. Children love it. It’s also good for children to be able to enjoy exercise in the fresh air (though we do make use of Marr College’s indoor facilities too, particularly for younger children during the winter). Then there’s the social side of mini rugby. The children who participate in mini rugby come from a number of different areas and attend different schools, so it’s good for them to meet children from other areas and build friendships with them.
“Much the same can be said for their parents. Again, there are social benefits in terms of meeting other parents, and there’s also the opportunity to help out with the running of Marr RFC. For example, the tuck shop we run on Saturday mornings – which sells hot and cold drinks and hot rolls etc – is staffed by parents. We’re very much a community-minded club and rugby is a great way of bringing people together.
“With that in mind, we’re very keen to reach out to children throughout Ayrshire who may not be aware that the opportunity to learn about and play rugby is available to them. We’d be delighted to welcome any child who’s interested in participating in mini rugby, whether or not they’ve ever played rugby before. Mini rugby at Marr runs from August to June (and there’s also the week-long summer camp in July) and takes place between 9.30am and 11.00am every Saturday morning, apart from during school holidays, at Fullarton Park, Troon.”
What about parents who’d like to learn more before bringing their children to mini rugby; what should they do?
“They should come along to Fullarton Park on a Saturday morning when mini rugby sessions are on. We’d be delighted to show them what’s involved in mini rugby and answer any questions they might have.”
Marr Rugby Football Club, Fullarton Park, Isle of Pin Road, Troon, KA10 7ER
(01292) 311133
www.marrrugby.com
