Cranbrook Rugby Club - Minis

Welcome to the Minis Section - Cranbrook Rugby Club

The aim of CRFC’s Mini rugby is to foster and develop young players (girls & boys) of all abilities in the game of rugby in a safe, non-competitive, enjoyable environment through activities which ensure progressive skill development. This is achieved by using the RFU’s progressive Age Grade Rugby approach.

All of our coaches are committed to developing young players into respectful individuals and team members. We will ensure each player demonstrates the highest standards of the RFU’s T.R.E.D.S (Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, Sportsmanship) at all times on and off the pitch and external to the club grounds.

All sessions/activities are delivered adopting the principle of ‘APES’;

A - ACTIVE
P - PURPOSEFUL
E – ENJOYABLE
S – SAFE

Training sessions are interactive and fun throughout the season with a combination of skills based training and games. The Rules of Play use a ‘stepping stone’ model and offer progression and challenge for players season by season, stating the furthest players can travel towards the 15-a- side game at each age. This ensures our game remains Player Centred and Development Driven.

We always aim for the players to have fun. Come on and give us a try.

Training – FAQ’s

Where?
Home training takes place at Angley Rd, Cranbrook. U7 and above will attend various festivals and joint training sessions with local clubs throughout the season, both home and away.

What time?
Training is held on Sunday mornings from September to the end of April. We recommend you arrive from 9.30 am and training starts promptly at 9.45 am. Home training sessions typically finish by 11.15 am although this may be weather dependent.

What does my child need to play?
• Players must wear boots and sports kit (layers are recommended).
• All players must have water with them.
• For U9’s and above it is essential all players wear a gumshield.

Age groups

Under 6's
Reception/Year 1
Rugby type fun games and an introduction to tag.

Under 7's
Year 2
Rugby skills and games plus tag at festivals (4 a-side)

Under 8's
Year 3
Rugby skills and games plus tag at festivals (6 a-side)

Under 9's
Year 4
Skills training, contact game starts with the tackle including hold. Matches and festivals (7 a-side)

Under 10's
Year 5
Skills training, contact rugby and uncontested scrums, ruck and maul. Matches and festivals (8 a-side).

Under 11's
Year 6
Skills training, contact rugby and uncontested scrums, ruck and maul, kicking. Matches and festivals (9 a-side).

Contact us

New members are welcome to join the Minis at any time of the year. It’s worth contacting the Minis Chair via email to ensure we are training at home on any particular Sunday. Email: Crfc.mini@gmail.com

Membership

We operate a system of 3 free sessions then we request that you join as a member if your child wishes to continue to play. To join the Minis you are required to become Family members and the annual subscription includes the whole family (unlimited children) plus it includes cricket in the summer. To attend festivals, players must be registered members of CRFC, and have an RFU membership number.

Key information

  • A parent or guardian must remain pitch side during training.
  • We assume that training is ON unless advised otherwise (due to bad weather or pitch conditions). If inclement weather requires training to be cancelled this is communicated via our WhatsApp Groups – to be included in the relevant year group please speak to the relevant Admin support.
  • We very much welcome feedback and do feel free to speak to the Head Coaches after any session.
  • Our clubhouse offers hot drinks and food during training and the bar is also open afterwards – everyone is welcome!
  • We are also always seeking new volunteers to help with training, first aid, admin or multiple other roles across the club. Please do help out if you can, no experience is necessary and if you wish to get involved with coaching there are many courses that you can attend.

Minis Safety & Welfare

The Club treats welfare of the players as a paramount priority. The clubs appointed Safeguarding Officer is Michelle Forknall. All coaches are DBS checked and have successfully completed the RFU ‘Play It Safe’ safeguarding course and ‘Headcase’ e-learning course.

The Head Coach for each year group is responsible for planning and leading the training they are supported by a team of coaches that hold a range of age grade RFU qualifications including Rugby Ready, First Tag, Coaching through Games, Games Changers, Intro to Contact and Scrum factory. We also have dedicated first aiders pitch side at each training session.