Rugby Nippers In Training

You’d be forgiven for thinking you had stumbled into the wrong column with today’s title.  However, you are indeed in the family section and we are talking rugby. For toddlers and pre-schoolers!

James Knight is the man behind this fabulous, fun activity and as a Perthshire Rugby Club coach and ex-player, he is passionate about this 200 year old game.  He is now a Dad to two wee boys and keen to instil a love of exercise from a young age, he looked to how he could bring his game to children.

“Someone mentioned to me a long time ago that bringing rugby to toddlers would be a good idea and when my three year old started throwing a ball around the back garden with me I knew I could pull something together that would give kids the core skills and hopefully, an early love of the game.”

James has been in the fitness industry for fifteen years and works part time for Live Active Leisure our local independent sports and fitness trust, and part time as a personal trainer, so he knows a thing or two about organising a class and ensuring there is a safe but fun environment.  He started to speak to other parents and on discovering that there was a definite desire for something a little different he set to work launching his idea into action.

“There are three age groups – Teeny Nippers for two year olds, Mini Nipper for three year olds and Junior Nippers for four and five year olds.  There’s no contact of course, we don’t need broken noses at pre-school, but we do try to teach the fundamentals of co-ordination, speed and agility. 

For the wee ones we also build in learning colours, shapes and counting as well as running around like animals.  Imagination is a big thing at that age and we like to encourage it.

The rubgy balls are designed for the specific age groups so the wee ones can learn to pass and catch easily and because they’re made of foam the boys and girls can miss without getting hurt!

It also encourages sharing and prompts the kids to think of others around about them.  Any sport or activity is good for children and I’m just very glad that I’ve been able to turn my passion for rugby into an opportunity for wee ones to get active.”

Boys and girls…. That’s what we like to hear!  James is firm in his believe that this should be for all children and although there is an long-time perception that rugby is a boys’ sport he is keen to debunk this myth and encourage a new generation of female fans and players.

It just so happens our graphic design partner, Gary Paterson of T’Go Creative, is one of those parents who has a Rugby Nipper at home.  We tasked him with taking some pics for us and the entire office spent a morning smiling at how darn cute these future stars of the Scottish pitch really are!  

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For more info visit the website | www.rugbynippers.co.uk

VENUE: Burnside House By The Old Parish Church in Scone

PRICE: £39 for a block of six weeks

Saturday Mornings

• 9.30am – 10.15am – Teeny Nippers (aged 2)
• 10.15am – 11am – Mini Nippers (aged 3)
• 11am – 11.45am – Junior Nippers (aged 4 + 5)