Our Acorns become Oaks

 

 

 

Please click on above icon for 2025/2026 information pack

 

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.  Age grade teams playing matches against local clubs.

 

Where?

Moortown Rugby Club

Moss Valley

Leeds

LS17 7NT

 

When?

10:30 to 11:30

 

Rugby calendar 2025 / 2026

10:30 Sunday 7th September – rugby fun day / Family subscription to Moortown RUFC  / player registration with RFU

8th September to 26th October - Autumn term rugby

2nd November – Half term break – no rugby

9th November to 14th December - Autumn term rugby

21nd December to 4th January – Christmas break – no rugby

11th January to 8th February– Spring term rugby

15th February to 22nd February – Half term break no rugby

1st March to 29th March – Spring term rugby

5th April to 12th April – Easter break no rugby (possible rugby tour)

19th April to 17th May – Summer term rugby

24th May – rugby finished for the summer

​​

Dear Parents / Guardians,

​

Mini Rugby at Moortown Rugby Club has proved to be a roaring success since we started the Acorns in Autumn 2023.    We have seen a real mini rugby community start to grow as more and more families join us each week and last year we had our first matches against local clubs.   We will look to compound this success in the 2025/26 season.  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.  This year the aim is to continue to welcome new players and look to establish under 7's, under 8's and under 9 teams to play against other clubs whilst maintaining training for all children of primary school age to join in.  We want to develop a girls rugby academy that allows girls to continue playing though their teenage years after establishing a love  of rugby through the Moortown Acorns set up.

 

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.  

 

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 2025/26 season.  As always we would welcome community volunteers for organising the Acorns, fundraising 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.

Plans are in place to start making Moortown branded kit available for those that wish to purchase it.

​

What’s the cost?

To become a member of Moortown RUFC, which means you are covered by the insurance when on the premises, there is a £50 annual family membership which covers all immediate family members.  We know that children can change their mind about joining in so please take some time to make sure it is something you will make use of, but if you are using the facilities at Moortown regularly then we ask you to buy a family membership for you and your child(ren).  This Membership is due annually, every September.

There is a monthly subscription fee for the Moortown Acorns for every child who participates.  This is to help cover equipment, meals and other costs.  This is £8.50 a month per child and there are barcodes around the club to sign up to the direct debit

​

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.   Hot and cold drinks and refreshments will be available from the bar.  Players meals will be provided when there are matches.

 

How do I contact Moortown Rugby Academy?  

There is a community WhatsApp group called Moortown RUFC Acorns.  Please request access and messages on training and other news will be sent on this.

The email address is acorns@moortownrufc.com

Instagram is @moortownrufc_acorns 

As age grade teams start to be involved in matches we will use the Spond app to monitor player availability.

​

 

 

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.