Our team of 15 reasons why children SHOULD play rugby….

There’s a personal bonus

Getting kids off the sofa and onto the rugby pitch brings a wide variety of physical, mental and social skills which will bode well for them as they reach adulthood and will improve physical health.

Rugby brings physical health benefits to anyone who takes to the field – and children are no different.

Developing social skills

Another huge part of growing up, and one that again needs to be developed at a young age if the benefits are to be reaped in child’s future both in the game and way beyond it.

They need to learn it’s OK to lose

Because it is character building, because it’s good practice for life, because children will get over setbacks which is something they can learn through rugby together friends all at the same time.

They also need to win

Because it’s bonding, because it feels good, and children learn that there are rewards for effort.

Equal Opportunities

Unlike just about any other team sport, rugby is about all players having the same opportunity to run with the ball, pass the ball and play defence.

Build self-esteem and confidence

Regularly engaging in sports can help subtly boost a child’s self-esteem. This happens as the child sets small goals on the field, such as perfecting a skill, and achieves them.

Learn valuable life-lessons

All sports have lessons that can be taken from the field and applied to real life. But rugby has lessons that can’t be found in any other game – we’re not talking about the standard generics of “teamwork” and “playing hard.” We’re talking about the preparation for life that can only be found on the rugby pitch.

Positive Role Models

It’s quite likely your kids will discover positive role models in coaches and older players. People that they can see and talk to in real life rather than on a screen or in an internet game

Make lifelong friends

Bonds made in training, on the pitch and afterwards last. A glance around any club house will see many long-time friendships that are enjoyed beyond the game.

Breed academic success

It’s hard to believe that what a child does on the field can impact what they do in the classroom, but it does. Children who were involved with at least one sport were more likely to get better grades according to a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Safety

Children learn to understand and manage risk. Rugby is a contact sport and through correct teaching players learn to understand the importance of protecting themselves and others whilst undertaking physically challenging tasks.

They’ll encounter that incredible feeling of being part of a team

Being part of a group, being a member of something bigger than just oneself, to be confident that there are other you can rely on and be relied on in turn is extraordinary experience.

They will respect others, regardless of their decisions

Before respect for authority completely vanishes in sport, the last place it will be found is on the rugby field. When the referee makes a decision, even one they disagree with, kids learn to show respect and not talk back.

It can help to reduce stress

Kids are no different from adults in having stress in their life. Playing with their team mates helps them focus on a game they enjoy giving some relief from growing up.

Plus, there are the benefits that exercise and other physical activities provide. Endorphins are produced; these are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and also improve the ability to sleep, which in turn reduces stress.