Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Junior Touch Rugby Programme returns this weekend with U8’s and U9’s age groups taking part to help improve their talents and understanding of the game whilst further bridging the gap between touch and full contact Rugby League.
The Touch Rugby Programme is now in its fifth year and works in partnership with the Hunslet Hawks community department. Throughout the year age groups from minis to U10's of junior community clubs in Leeds are offered the chance to join in a weekend tournament at Leeds Sports Centre (formally Soccer City), Leeds.
The Festivals are run on small indoor 3G surfaces with quick turnaround games of seven minutes in length. There are no restrictions to side lines with all mistakes being classed as a turnover, allowing the U10s to grubber the ball on the last tackle. This in turn quickens the games making it more enjoyable for the kids involved and improving skill sets.
The festival this weekend will allow clubs to enter up to 2 teams per age group (U8's/U9's) with an entry fee of £1.50 per player to help cover the costs of the facilities. Teams will have 8 players, but the games will be played in a 5-a-side format; meaning 3 players will be resting at all times. Registration will be 9.15-9.30am with all games starting at 10am and the event will finish at 12.30pm.
The day will also include presentations with all players receiving a certificate and a chance to meet Ronnie Rhino, Harry Hawk and Leeds Rhinos/Hunslet Hawks players at least once throughout the festival dates.
LRF Community Club Development Officer, Sam Horner commented: “It is now the fifth year that the touch festivals have been run and this goes to show how successful they are. The festivals, which are in line with the RFL's directive on Primary Games Rugby League, allow children the opportunity to get involved with the sport of rugby league and hone their awareness and skills before progressing into a full contact game. It is important that the children are enjoying the sport and the Touch Rugby Programme aims to create that enjoyment and leave children wanting to get more and more involved.”
The next Indoor Junior Rugby League Festivals are as follows:
8th February – U8's and U9's
15th February – Mini and U7's
22nd February – U10's
If you are interested in any of the upcoming sessions, please email: LRCABooking@leedsrugbyfoundation.org