Senior Team Website

Melksham Cooper Avon Tyres RFC Junior Section

 INFORMATION ABOUT PLAYER AGES

We Coach and Play the game within the guidelines of the RFU Continuum. Below is an indication of what we will aim to teach each  of the early age groups. Please note that Boys and Girls play in the same team from ages U6-U12

 Under 7  - This is the very youngest age and the emphasis is on developing basic skills and introducing simple rules. We recognise the importance of developing individuals knowledge and confidence and introduce the concept of a team game. We play TAG BELT Rugby which is a no contact game were a tackle is given when a Velcro Tag is pulled off the ball carriers belt. The core skills we wish to encourage are; Good passing & catching, team play and FUN.

Under 8 - This is the year to consolidate skills and improve the concept of team play and moving the ball before the tackle. We would aim to add discipline into the game with players holding position . This is still played with Tag Belts and therefore a good time to introduce a child to the game.

 Under 9 - This is the age we introduce full contact tackles. It is important to prepare the players for the rough and tumble of a flowing game and so the tackle is introduced slowly building from a stationary push to a walking dive and finally a tackle at the run. This is the core of any Rugby game and we aim to ensure all children gain the confidence to tackle . We will also introduce  Scrums and Line outs Rucks and Mauls.

Under 10 -This is the age when we would look for players to try out set positions within the team. Scrums will be contested .The team will have to hold positions and move as the play changes.

 Under 11- More of the adult game is introduced with Kicking to start the game and Conversion.

  Under 13 - Under 16  By these ages a player is playing 15 aside on a full sized pitch, the length of the game is shorter but most of the adult rules are now incorporated in the game.