U6-U8
Lead Coaches, Dan McNary (under 6), Gemma Maher (under 7) & Tom Rogers (under 8)
U6’s Email: Mikewardcarpentry@outlook.com
U7’s Email: gemma.reed@live.co.uk
U8’s Email: maidstonespitfires@gmail.com
The main objective of the Tag Rugby is to have fun and enjoy learning to play rugby, whilst experiencing the responsibility of being a member of a team.
For children in schools years R, 1, 2 and 3 we play a non-contact version of the game known as Tag Rugby. Each player has two Velcro tags attached to a waistband, and when these are caught by opposing players, this counts as a tackle.
At these age groups, we are looking to develop agility, basic handling and awareness of space.
Most training sessions start with a few warm up activities, then progress on to individual skills, team skills and round off with a game.
Under 6s (U6) are those in school year Yr1, (U7) are those in Yr2, (U8) are those in Yr3.
Whenever we are not away at a fixture we train at the club on a Sunday Morning from 10.00 until 10.45am (U6) 10:00am (U7) and 10:00am (U8) on the Tag Pitch / Top Pitch (end of 1st XV team pitch nearest the leisure centre).
All are then welcome at the club house for a bite to eat and drink.
Rules of Play
Under 6
This is an introduction to rugby and the skills required to play tag rugby. Most sessions will involve games/drills designed to get the players used to handling a rugby ball, tagging (and avoiding being tagged!) and teamwork.
Key elements of play:
Small-pitch games and drills
Ball size: 3
Introduction to the basic skills of passing, catching and tagging
Focus on enjoyment and inclusivity
Encouragement of communication skills/teamwork
No tackling
No kicking, scrums or lineouts
Under 7
In the U7s, rugby is introduced in the simplest, most enjoyable form so children can gain confidence and fall in love with the game. It should be easy to understand and played with minimal intervention from the referee. If children attempt to catch the ball and drop it (a knock-on), play continues. Smaller pitches and simple rules mean more space, more touches and more children actively playing.
At this stage, children begin putting their key skills into practice in more structured game situations. We still focus on fun activities and challenges to build confidence, while gradually developing their understanding of the rules and how the game works. By keeping things straightforward, referees can step back and let the game flow- supporting learning through play.
Teamwork is a major focus. Players learn that rugby isn’t about one person. It’s about supporting each other, communicating, and celebrating success together. Everyone plays their part, everyone contributes and everyone belongs.
Key Elements of Play:
If you wish to join the U7s team, please contact Gemma Maher via email on:
Under 8
Welcome to Maidstone Spitfires Under 8s rugby team
U8s lead coach is Tom Rogers and team manager is Caroline Gates.
E-mail: maidstonespitfires@gmail.com
Under 8s play tag rugby and train at the club on a Sunday Morning from 10.00 until 11.30am on the Tag Pitch / Top Pitch (end of 1st XV team pitch nearest the leisure centre).
At Maidstone Rugby club we follow rugby’s core values – TREDS. These are Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship. These are the core principles that define the sport’s culture, emphasizing cooperation, mutual respect between players and officials, the importance of having fun, adherence to rules, and gracious conduct on and off the field.
Tag Rugby
The main objective of the Tag Rugby is to have fun and enjoy learning to play rugby, whilst experiencing the responsibility of being a member of a team.
For children in schools year 3 we play a non-contact version of the game known as Tag Rugby. Each player has two Velcro tags attached to a waistband, and when these are caught by opposing players, this counts as a tackle.
At this age group, we are looking to develop agility, basic handling and awareness of space.
Key elements of play:
Team numbers: 6-a-side
Pitch size: 45 metres x 22 metres
Ball Size: 3
Scoring: Players permitted to go to ground to score
No tackling
No kicking, scrums or lineouts
Referee as coach
Kit
Generally, common sense prevails when it comes to kit. We play in a black & red but keeping warm and dry take priority. We will generally try to meet every week, regardless of the weather, as we believe this is part of the discipline of being a team player, but young bodies get cold quickly so anything goes including hats, gloves and several layers. There is kit available from the club which can also be worn at Festivals & consists of T-Shirt or playing shirt, Weatherproof, Shorts & Bag. As well as the new kit available from the Club shop, many parents are able to pass on used kit to younger players, the second hand kit and boots is great value. Boots – football boots are fine, but you’ll needs to swap the studs for safety ones, milder studs are also ok. Gum shields – not compulsory but advisable, this is particularly important as they get older and being used to these can be helpful.
What Next?
New players are always welcome. If you have a child that is interested in playing rugby please get in touch with us, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. We can also discuss which Sunday is best for your young player to come and try tag rugby. Please also follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see what we are up to on a weekly basis.