Niverville is full of sports and recreation activities for children and youth. But did you know there is also a rugby program for those three to 15 years old?
Rugby is a team sport played with an oval ball that can be kicked, carried, and passed from hand to hand. The object is to score points by carrying or kicking the ball behind the opponents’ goal line. Basically, it’s a mashup of soccer and football.
The Niverville Rugby Football Club was formed in the spring of 2011. According to organizer Chris Chapman, it was the first of its kind in Manitoba. The club has since become one of three nationally sponsored Rookie Rugby programs in the province. This program is supported by Rugby Manitoba’s youth development officers, many volunteers from the rugby community, and of course the wonderful parent volunteers.
There are three levels available.
Mini-Rugby is for ages three to six. At this level, practices run for 40 minutes and focus on motor skills, learning to run, and passing and kicking a rugby ball. These players don’t play any actual game. They learn the fundamentals first.
At the Flag Rugby level, for ages seven to 15, athletes improve their running, passing, kicking, and running skills, along with catching and defensive flag removal. Players both practice and play games, and also participate in annual tournaments.
Tackle Rugby is for ages ten to 15. These athletes continue to improve their skills, along with learning the skills of tackling. Contact and non-contact games are played, and there are annual tournaments. Players registered in the Tackle Rugby program also get to play in Flag Rugby free of charge.
You can register your child for rugby at Niverville Recreation’s spring registration night on Thursday, March 3 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the south end of the Niverville Arena.
