Sports enthusiasts all over the UK admire Scotland’s national rugby team. Not only did our much-celebrated rugby players show off their skill and finesse in the latest World Cup, but they are also known for their sportsmanship and humility.
However, this article isn’t centred around the best of the best. Instead, we want to talk about the importance of grassroots rugby and young players being introduced to the sport at an early age. In addition to being a great cardio workout, rugby is the perfect way to learn about teamwork and meet new people with the same interests as you.
We’ll give you tips on finding your local team and tell you how to get started on a grassroots level. After all, the national team wouldn’t be where it is today without grassroots rugby initiatives.
How to Find Your Local Team
Did you know that there are over 200 local clubs in Scotland alone? Many of these are grassroots clubs that welcome new players with open arms. You can find local teams in Scotland by having a look at the Scottish Rugby website. Alternatively, you could type ‘rugby clubs near me’ and see what pops up on Google.
It’s also a good idea to reach out to members of your local community and see what they have to say. Chances are, a neighbour or a friend is already involved in a rugby union.
Men, Women, Kids: Who Can Get Involved with Rugby?
While rugby is still a male-dominated sport, if you’ve ever watched a women’s game in the UK you’ll know that we have a very high level of women’s rugby. There are plenty of ladies’ clubs out there that are more than happy for interested parties to join in on a training session.
Grassroots rugby is also filled with plenty of youth teams, with most schools in the country offering rugby as a school sport. If you are worried about your young children getting injured when playing contact rugby, you could always start them off by playing touch rugby.
There are also age-grade laws, put in place by the national governing body, to ensure that rugby is as safe as possible for children of all ages. So, no matter your age or gender, there is most likely a grassroots rugby union that is perfect for your needs and preferences.
Why Grassroots Rugby is Important
The success that Scotland and England rugby has enjoyed doesn’t happen overnight. In order for senior rugby teams to win matches and gain sponsorships, effort needs to be put into the sport at a grassroots level. Not only does grassroots rugby focus on nurturing future sports stars, but it also creates a supportive culture with an emphasis on participation.
When junior teams are properly funded from the beginning, the players are inspired to push through any challenges they may experience and improve their skills with the hope of making the first team one day.
Fun Ways to Fundraise
Grassroots rugby unions in the UK are always looking for ways to raise funds for their uniforms, equipment, travel expenses, and other things needed to run a club. The more people that can help with fundraising the better. A few fun ways to fundraise include:
- Partner with your local bar and host an event over the weekend. A pub quiz is a good example.
- Organise a field day during the summer months. Families can participate in various games and activities. Charge a small entrance fee.
- Create a calendar with high-quality pictures of the players. Sell this calendar to raise funds.
- Purchase a weekend away and raffle this off. Make sure you are promoting the raffle on social media. If you give half the proceeds to charity, people are more likely to buy tickets.
Final Thoughts
No matter where you’re located in the UK, there is more than likely a grassroots rugby union that is ideal for you and your needs. Remember that you don’t need to play in a team to get involved with grassroots rugby. Clubs also need coaches, referees, and volunteers to help out at their games.
So, support your local squad, go watch local matches, meet other rugby fans, and help out with fundraising and volunteering efforts if you can. If you’re nervous about trying the sport for the first time, why not go watch a few training sessions to see what you could be in for?
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