The U6 Lions is a team for children who will be 5 before 31st December 2020 and are in Year 1 or Reception at school. The Lions train on Sunday mornings from 9am to 10am, close to the clubhouse. Kids need to be able to spend time independently from their parents as only those coaching are permitted onto the pitches.

For children under 5 or that won't cope well with independent activity, I would highly recommend that you consider "Little Scrummers" as this is ideal preparation for children who will later join the club. Parents are more actively involved in every session so it is ideal stopgap for younger or less confident children. Most Scrummers go on to join rugby clubs like Chelmsford when they graduate at 5 or 6.

The Lions are led by DBS checked volunteers made up mostly from parents from the group, many of whom will go on to coach the children all the way up to adult rugby, and with support from experienced coaches from our older age groups The club provides support and training for all the volunteers and typically the more parents that get involved, the better the experience is for the kids (and for you as parents). No rugby experience is necessary and it will be one of the most rewarding decisions you ever make! The graduated nature of the RFU Development Pathway means that new elements of the game are added slowly over the course of 5-6 years giving you and the kids the chance to learn as you go!

The u6 sessions are designed to give kids an introduction to rugby and we play a range of games designed to encourage and develop their agility, balance, coordination and ball handling skills. The focus is very much on having fun. It is all non-contact and the kids don't play any competitive tag/touch rugby fixtures until they start year 2 at school (In fact, junior rugby remains non-contact until the kids start year 4 at school).

The first few sessions are free to give you and the kids a chance to "trial" the club. Due to the Covid restrictions, all we would ask is that you let us know you are coming in advance. Kids just need to wear normal sports clothes (suitable for the weather), and bring a drink/hand sanitiser. We would always advise you bring hat/gloves for the kids plus some extra warm clothes. Football/rugby boots are useful if the ground is slippery. We will get them (very) muddy if we can so a change of clothes is advised! They will be hungry/thirsty after the session so we would advise bringing some food or coming up to the clubhouse for a snack and drink (when the Covid restrictions allow!)

If you have any questions or let me know you are coming to a trial session, please don't hesitate to message me on ChelmsfordRFCu6s@gmail.com.