Our Acorns become Oaks

Moortown "Mini" Rugby Academy 

 

What?

An introduction to mini rugby for all primary school aged children.  This will be fun games and exercise with a rugby ball focusing on passing and catching.

 

Where?

Moortown Rugby Club

Moss Valley

Leeds

LS17 7NT

 

When?

10:30 to 11:30

 

Sunday 24th March 2024

Easter Break for two weeks

Sunday 14th April 2024 (bring a friend week)

Sunday 21st  April 2024

Sunday 28th April 2024

Sunday 5th May 2024

Sunday 12th May - No training due to Leeds Marathon – Cheering station (location to be confirmed)

Sunday 19th May 2024

 

 

Dear Parents / Guardians,

​

The last five months has been a roaring success as we have got some mini rugby back up and running at Moortown Rugby Club.    We have seen a real mini rugby community start to grow as more and more families join us each week.  This will continue now right through to the summer.  This is an introduction to rugby so somewhere between "rugby tots" and playing mini junior rugby.  No experience is necessary and all primary school age kids are welcome.

 

The dates of the sessions are detailed above with a two week break for Easter and Leeds Marathon weekend with no training but everyone getting together to support a number of the parents and coaches who are running.  

 

Each session will be an hour starting at 10:30. All sessions will be outdoors braving the elements, so kids and parents should wrap up warm and be happy getting muddy.  This has really been the case recently but hopefully now we will see some sunshine to go with all the kids smiles.

 

Please invite primary school age family and friends to join us! 

 

We have seen the demand for mini rugby at Moortown is massive and so now the ‘Acorn Committee’ is working hard, planning for the new season in September 2024.  The aim will be to maintain the rugby academy for all those under 6 and get some age group teams up and running to play against other Yorkshire clubs.  In order to achieve this we will obviously need community volunteers for organising and coaching.  

 

If you are interested and planning to attend please email us at acorns@moortownrufc.com with some basic contact details just so we have an idea of numbers for planning.

 

Many thanks,

 

Tim L

 

FAQ’s

 

Will the sessions be on if it’s raining?

As long as it is safe the sessions will run in the rain, wind, snow…and sunshine.  

 

What should the kids wear?

Ideally football or rugby boots as the sessions will be on grass.  Trainers that you don’t mind getting muddy or wellies will be slippy but will be ok.  Gloves and hats if it is cold and waterproof layers if it is wet but the kids will be doing lots of running so really it’s the parents who need to wrap up.

 

What’s the cost?

We are running these introduction to rugby sessions for free.  Once we manage to get some teams set up we will have to think about weekly, monthly or annual subscription to fund kit, meals, and general admin.

 

Do parents have to stay for the sessions?  

Due to the age of the children please can the adult who brings the children stay on site at Moortown RUFC.  There is a great cafe called the Chunky Cactus to grab a coffee or tea and even enjoy some brunch after training.

 

Who will take the sessions?

I (Tim L) have instigated these sessions and will run them.  I have 30+ years playing experience having started in Moortown Under 7s thirty eight years ago. I have no coaching experience and am going to learn on the job.  If anyone wants to get involved I would welcome the help.

 

How do I contact Moortown Rugby Academy?  

I am trying to steer clear of another WhatsApp group that is constantly beeping.  For these introduction to rugby sessions you can just turn up and don’t need to let us know if you can’t come.  Once teams do get established I am sure individual teams will establish WhatsApp groups.  If you do need to make contact you can ring me or WhatsApp me on (Tim) 07958748478 or email acorns@moortownrufc.com

 

 

Mini rugby remains a no contact sport up until the age of 9.  This is described below:

 

Mini Rugby (U6-U12)

Mini rugby is designed to introduce children to the basics of the game in a safe environment, and in line with their physical abilities and at their own pace — letting them run, chase, throw, catch and learn teamwork. Boys and girls play together on an equal footing. The club runs teams based on school years - this relates to a child’s age on the 1st September and the child remains in that age group for their youth rugby career.

U6, U7 &U8

 

These groups play non-contact “tag” rugby. The main aim is to develop the basic skills such as passing the ball backwards, catching a pass, running into space and of course, scoring tries. The players wear a belt with 2 velcro tags. A tackle is made when the opposition pull one of the tags off the ball carriers belt and calls “tag”. Once the ball carrier has been tagged they must attempt to stop immediately and pass the ball to another team member before reclaiming their tag, re-attaching it then continue with the game. There is no contact, tackling, scrums, line outs or kicking.