Wed. Dec 4th, 2024

Autumn Rugby

TV  will soon show Autumn Rugby Internationals with teams from Southern Hemisphere to play matches in sell-out stadia, especially Twickenham. But there is a lot more rugby going on.

Core Values

Also in the autumn, clubs have started their league programmes for adult men and women, mostly on Saturdays, but Sundays are dominated by mini and junior rugby for boys and girls from under 5s to under 18s. Some older youth teams train midweek, too.

It is such an enjoyable time for the children making new friends and learning the ethos of rugby with the core values (watch video on link) of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. Also a lifetime of friendship and enjoyment. Visit a club!

Nice People

I like most sports. I enjoy watching most and have had pleasure of playing many. Some have lost their way in giving young players these core values. Rugby emphasises them. The heroes of rugby, and all time greats, are all really nice people: Jason Leonard, Jonny Wilkinson, Maggie Alphonse, Brian O’Driscoll, John Eales, Gareth Edwards, Dean Richards, Katie McLean, (and many more). They are people who come across as really pleasant. Coaches on rugby courses often hear, “Encourage your players to be nice people, and you will end up with good rugby players.”

Club Rugby for all the Family

Many schools give children a taste for the game, at different levels and formats. Some do not. At clubs, children meet players from different schools and backgrounds, and expand friendship groups and experience. Clubs will work with rugby playing schools to prevent overplaying players and manage injuries. “Safeguarding” is paramount in clubs with written codes of conduct for players, coaches, administrators, spectators and parents! Clubs make parents welcome, and usually a good supply of hot drinks and bacon/vegan butties available. Many mums and dads get involved in coaching and helping, but it is not compulsory. Lots of fun though. I’ve known some who have not known the game, get involved and even play some Touch Rugby (Non-contact) midweek, and improved their own fitness and fun. There is a traditional social side to clubs. I recently attended a “Comedy Night” at one. Some have luncheon clubs, theatre trips and more. You do end up with a lot of friends, and so do your children.

Find a Club

You can find a local club by putting in your postal code on this RFU site: www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/find-rugby/   But it is well worth checking them out to see if it suits you and your child. “RFU Club Accreditation” indicates a club that is well run as Rugby Football Union (RFU) has worked with such a club to achieve a standard recognised by RFU, and SportsEngland too as a CharterMark club. The coaches are officially background checked (DBS), and risk assessments fufilled. Ask lots of questions. Good clubs enjoy answering (showing off) as most clubs are amateur run, and there is pride in what they are doing. If the club cannot cater well for what you need, they will advise of another club who can. Not all have all age-groups or cater for both boys and girls, for example.

Old Emanuel RFC  www.oldemanuelrfc.co.uk  in Southwest London, is an Accredited Club with “Emanuel Lions” teams from under 5s to under 18s, contact and non-contact, male and female. They run three men’s adult teams (Train Tuesday & Thursday evenings) and launching a women’s team this season. Mixed adult Touch Rugby (non-contact) is every Thursday evening all year, and the strength and conditioning group has opened a Crossfit Gym: OE InTouch Crossfit. Qualified Crossfit instructors expand the fitness sessions to all club members, including social. All are welcome to join in any aspect of this inclusive club, and Crossfit section has attracted many new members. This is a fine example of what is available. There are similar clubs throughout the country, but they all have a touch of originality.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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