Manchester Rugby Club was one of the first clubs in the North of England to adopt the RFUs “Kids First” rugby approach. It is an ethos closely held and essentially “puts children at the heart of all the decisions we make”. It includes encouraging fun, increasing confidence, developing character and all the while having realistic expectations of what these children can do and also what they want from their Sunday morning.

We train and regularly play matches against other clubs. The children are respectful with their opposition and coaches, whilst enjoying the “competitive” nature of the “non-competitive” matches. Officially there is no score-keeping, but most of the time they’ve kept count in their heads anyway!

We regularly remind the children though, it is much more important that they show good sportsmanship rather than just good rugby skills. If they treat us to both, then even better!

We are concentrating on three key areas when we have the ball in hand – that is to RUN FORWARD, PASS BACKWARD, and PASS TO THE PERSON WHO IS FREE. If we can nail a 2-on-1 before the end of the season I’ll be over the moon!
There can be up to 30 kids present, and the team of five coaches means we can be responsive to this. We often break down into smaller groups for training drills but will usually have some large whole group games to start and finish each session.
The coaches hand out Players of the Week awards to deserving children who usually show a combination of teamwork, sportsmanship and some good rugby. This winter we introduced Muddiest Player of the Week but Finlay has won it so many times that we are retiring this particular award.

The children recognise the importance of their team and enjoy the company of their teammates. In truth, they are not just teammates, they’re mates. That is probably the most important thing I can write about this group. They are good and they are friends and we are proud of all of them.

Thanks to all our parents who provide support on the freezing cold pitches each week – clearly none of this happens without you and in particular to Stacey who has been a terrific team manager.

Massive thanks also to Chalky, Peter, Pete and Mark for all the coaching support – a curry night out at the end of the season will be the ultimate reward.

Johnny Vrahimides – U6s & U7s Head Coach