Matthews Rugby Club History
Matthews Rugby Club launched its inaugural season in 2004, offering "non-contact" rugby for boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 14. In 2006, the club launched a spring tackle team for middle school boys and competes locally in association with Carolina Youth Rugby. In summer 2008 we added a non-contact program for ages 15 - 18 and continued with that age group by fielding a tackle team for the spring 2009 season.
The mission of Matthews Rugby Club is to teach boy and girls about rugby, teamwork, fitness, and sportsmanship in a fun environment.
What Is Rugby?
Rugby is a fast-paced, creative game in which players attempt to score "tries" by touching down the ball in the endzone, much like a touchdown in football. Players may move the ball by carrying it, kicking it, or passing it laterally or backward to teammates. The action is constant, and players must play both offensively and defensively (as in basketball or soccer) because possession of the ball can change hands at any time. In rugby, all players get a chance to run with the ball if they can keep up with the play.
Kids ages 6 to 18 play "7s" rugby (7 players per team on the field), and it differs from the standard game only in that two-hand touch replaces the tackle. Nearly all other elements of rugby—including scrums (uncontested), mauls, and lineouts—are allowed.
Safety
Why non-contact rugby? Safety is the main reason. Rugby is new to most kids and their parents, so it's better to learn the basics of the game before introducing the tackle. It also allows a broader range of kids to play together. Without the distraction of contact, we can emphasize running, passing, kicking, and team skills. Two-hand touch actually helps develop proper rugby tackling technique, so that kids will be ready for it when they're older.
Coaches and Volunteers
Matthews Rugby Club invites volunteers to assist with coaching. Head coaches should have previous rugby experience, but it is not necessary for assistant coaches. Informal training in the youth rugby laws is available. Head coaches participate in an annual USA Rugby Coaching Training Clinic to ensure safety and proper youth coaching skills. Team parents are needed to assist with registration, snack scheduling, distributing uniforms, etc.
Sponsorship
If you are interested in sponsoring Matthews Rugby Club, please contact Adam Angulo at 704-321-5135 or adam@matthewsrugbyclub.com
|
