Junior players of all ages are wanted at Wallasey Rugby Club, in response to the decline in rugby participation in England. With rugby participation down by 67% and child mental health and obesity major issues, the club is calling for kids to get off their computers and onto the pitch in a big recruitment drive.
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The Wirral club have sessions for all ages every Sunday from 10am that consist of a warm up, training, a match and food and drink afterwards. There’s a big emphasis on inclusivity, teamwork, positive mental health, discipline and respect — teaching children important life lessons — whilst the rugby is taken place in a controlled, regulated and safe environment.
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Children can join for just £8 per month, with £5 per additional child, and family memberships start from just £10 per month — giving parents access to club events, venue hire and hospitality discounts. The club has a great sense of community and junior players enjoy it so much that no child has left since joining — such is the sense of belonging and togetherness.
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Together with local clubs such as Prenton RUFC and Oldershaw, Wallasey Rugby Club is leading the way in the drive to increase junior rugby participation. Their aim is to tackle the child mental and physical health crisis through rugby with the key message to parents being that safety is paramount at all times.
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Wallasey Rugby Club’s Youth Coach, Tom O’Donnell, said: “There’s a worry amongst parents that rugby is dangerous but our youth rugby is controlled and regulated — with tag rugby up to a certain age. I’d say junior rugby is safer that football in many respects and it’s less toxic — with a bigger emphasis on discipline, respect and fair play.”
He continued: “We welcome children of all abilities and backgrounds — we’ve had many additional needs children train and play with us and there’s a great sense of camaraderie. It’s an opportunity for children to get off their devices, get fit and become part of a community — we teach them qualities that will set them up for life, whilst they get to meet new friends.”
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Although it has been debated in the media whether rugby is dangerous for kids, experts believe it’s the best discipline parents can offer to a child or teachers can offer to students. Parents of Wallasey Rugby Club’s junior players have reported great improvements to their children’s mental, emotional and physical wellbeing since joining the club.
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One parent said: “I can honestly say Harrison’s confidence has improved massively. He couldn’t walk until he was about 4 years old so has always been reluctant to join in with sports but always wanted to — this has helped massively!”
Another said: “Since Frankie left playing football and decided he wanted to learn rugby his confidence has grown and I’ve never seen someone so happy to get out on the field with all the lads, most of which are bigger than him, and just get stuck in. They have all connected so well and are a big group of pals.”
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Wallasey Rugby Club have begun their recruitment drive for the new season, starting in September 2024, and are offering parents the chance to bring their child or children along for a free trial. Children will be able to get a feel for the game and the club — in a warm, welcoming and inclusive environment.
Tom O’Donnell summarised: “It’s time to combat the very real issues of child mental health problems, obesity and disorder and there’s no better way to do so than through rugby. The sport helps them develop as young people and the whole family can become part of something bigger here at the club.”
TO BRING YOUR CHILD ALONG FREE OF CHARGE OR TO SPONSOR JUNIOR RUGBY CONTACT TOM O’DONNELL ON 07941061966
Junior players of all ages are wanted at Wallasey Rugby Club, in response to the decline in rugby participation in England. With rugby participation down by 67% and child mental health and obesity a major issue, the club is calling for kids to get off their computers and onto the pitch in a big recruitment drive.
Wallasey Rugby Club / Cross Lane, Wallasey, CH45 8RH
TO BRING YOUR CHILD ALONG FREE OF CHARGE OR TO SPONSOR JUNIOR RUGBY CONTACT TOM O’DONNELL ON 07941061966
Check out Wallasey Rugby Club’s WEBSITE
