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Reeds Under 5’s is a perfect introduction to the world of rugby, teaching team spirit and personal success in a safe and very active environment. Our approach will help children to grow confidence in their own abilities, give them core practical skills and to encourage them to enjoy sport more.
While the Under 5’s participate in a non-competitive environment, we encourage each child to strive to perform to the best of their ability. The coaches reward individual and group success with consistent coaching, praise and encouragement.
Our coaches are volunteer parents who often participate in the club development courses run by or in conjunction with the RFU. Each coach is CRB checked in accordance with strict club policy. Our players typically join Reed’s from Reception age and we are unique in the area in catering for this level. Younger players are also welcome but parents should be aware that the very young can sometimes struggle with the energy, discipline and concentration needed for some games. During an hour's coaching session we complete a variety of rugby skills and games, keeping it interesting, fun and varied.
We build up the players skill level throughout the season so that by the end of the rugby playing year each child has advanced in their own capability and therefore confident to move up and onto the next level of coaching (age permitting).
We actively encourage parents to get involved with the club and the training sessions by providing support and encouragement to both the players and coaches. We are proud of the fact that so many parents choose to stay with us and contribute from the Under 5's – Under 15's. This involved attitude from the parents gives our club a community feel which is not always present at other clubs where coaching begins in an older age bracket.
Coaching sessions with the Under 5’s are focused on getting the children used to ball handling and the development of their basic skills. The coaching ethos and methods are based on a proven structure that provides the players with a sense of fun and teamwork.
- Warm Up: The players are taken through stretches and warm up exercises. These exercises are planned to loosen up and gently raise the players energy level. Parents watching the session often comment not only on the discipline the players show but also their willingness to participate. After a few weeks the players start to develop favourite warm up exercises (usually the more energetic Stick/Star, Windmills and Dead Ants) and join in with great enthusiasm.
- Skills Session: In the early weeks of the season activities are focused on building team work and basic skills. Skills are developed through variations of the favourite school ground games such as “stick in the mud” and “cops and robbers”. In a coaching context the games prove an excellent energy release whilst developing basic skill and an understanding of rugby fundamentals. As the players progress we adopt more structured activities designed by the RFU including the introduction of tag belts and activities that make the players in one boys words “ feel like real rugby players” . We never forget that the players are still very young and so the focus is always on inclusion, fun and teamwork.
- Group Games: As a fun end to the coaching session all the players take part in a group game which provides them the opportunity to release even more energy and for the team to bond.
- Wash up: At the end of every coaching session all the players are brought together to praise them for their effort and contribution. The Coach will award boomerang trophies to the players of the week, and the group are asked to thank the coaches for their efforts.
We play in all conditions unless extreme weather is forecast or the pitch is considered unsuitable (check the web site for bulletins of this nature). Remember that children at this age usually still need one more layer than you to keep warm, even when they spend their time running around at high speed! A good breakfast is a good idea to maintain energy levels. We provide water to keep hydration levels up. (Parents, there are also coffee and bacon rolls for sale at the club house to keep your energy levels up too!).
Keeping your child warm and dry is paramount and sensible trainers are a must. If you want to get your child rugby boots make sure that there is no leading stud or blade on these boots. Despite the no-contact rule at this age it is not always possible for an Under 5 to stop in time! There is no mandatory kit at this age. However we do wear the Reeds team strip with pride and are recognised as an important part of the club identity and future.
Please note that it is Club policy that no child should be left at the Club without a responsible adult in attendance. We ask parents to be aware of what their child is doing during a session and support us in teaching the right behaviours on and off the field, before and after sessions.
Registration opens at 9:30 am each Sunday and kick-off is at 10:00 am. We look forward to seeing you there!
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