The following article by Nicky Hughes & David ‘Smiler’ Cooper was recently published in the local magazine ‘On Our Doorstep’.
There are quite a few misconceptions about the game of Rugby, as with most things, the press tends to only portray the bad and exaggerates the violence and danger associated with the game. This has the effect of putting parents that have never experienced rugby on their guard against the game, and so it’s not an option they consider when thinking of sports for their children.
Grass roots Rugby can offer children so much, especially in the youth game. Whilst it is true that there is a very real possibility of gaining a few bruises and the odd laceration, broken bones are rare, and serious injury is even rarer.
Many of the skills they learn on the pitch can help them towards gaining their Duke of Edinburgh award. Teamwork, problem solving, resilience, organisation skills and voluntary work are all part of the DoE structure.
Players learn so much about themselves, so many life skills;
Respect – For officials, opposition, coaches, club members and peers
Dignity - In defeat and triumph.
Hard work – Whether they are on the pitch for 10 mins or 80, giving it everything they’ve got is the only way to play.
Rugby has developed its training programme to ease players into the game. The first experience of rugby will be at ages 5 & 6 where they will learn to play Tag Rugby, this is essentially an organised game of ‘You’re It’. Each year another aspect of the game will be introduced until they will finally learn full contact. At every stage of development, players are coached in a safe, controlled environment.
Players are not only coached in the fine arts of playing, coaches become mentors, players become brothers and sisters, families join a bigger family.
Rugby is a game that is fully diverse and inclusive. It doesn’t discriminate and welcomes everyone from any background. Players range from young to old and from all abilities. Whatever your story, Rugby will find a place for anyone.
When you join a Rugby club, you join a family. The Rugby family looks after its own, they laugh together, cry together and fight together. There is an old saying that it takes a village to raise a child. This is so true of the Rugby family.
If you or your child is 5-16 and would like to come and have a look, talk to our coaches, or get a feel for the environment, pop up to Letchworth Rugby Club on a Sunday morning, grab a bacon roll and a coffee and have a chat to other parents or club officials. If you are age 17 and up, come and see us on a Saturday afternoon for a beer and a chat while you watch the game.
Letchworth Rugby Club
Legends Lane
Letchworth
(Behind the Leisure Centre)
If you’d like more information or have any questions please email richardsell100@gmail.com
