The Crusaders Minis Program
The Crusaders Minis program is for boys and girls from age 4 through 10 and is one of the largest and most successful minis programs in North America. Minis is where the journey begins: a fun, safe introduction to rugby built entirely around non-contact flag rugby.
Our Minis age groups (U6, U8 and U10) focus on developing a love of physical activity, teamwork, and the core skills of rugby through games, challenges and lots of ball-in-hand time. Sessions are designed so that complete beginners and returning players can play side by side – every child is included, and everyone gets plenty of touches on the ball.
At these ages, players enjoy flag rugby with no tackling, learning how to run, evade, pass and support their teammates in a positive, low pressure environment. This long-term, game-based approach helps set players up for success when they move into our U12 and Youth programs, or simply for a lifetime of enjoying sport.
We’re proud of our committed volunteer coaches, who work hard to create a fun and respectful learning environment while giving Minis players a solid grounding in the sport. As one parent put it, our programs are “an excellent place to increase a child’s overall skill development, knowledge of the game and level of fitness” in a true community-club setting.
Introduction
Minis Program (U6, U8, U10) is one of the largest and most successful in North America, producing many past, current and, most certainly, future Ontario Provincial and Canadian International players!
The Crusaders Mini Rugby Program is a fun way to introduce and develop the joy of rugby in a friendly and safe environment. By developing the principles of love of physical activity, team work, and the skills of rugby at early ages, we are aiming to ingrain strong values and skills that can be used throughout a lifetime and career. Mini rugby is the start of a long-term development model of a successful rugby player, or for some, simply the beginning of an enjoyable and healthy fulfilling lifestyle.
We are proud of our committed volunteer coaches that work hard to create a fun and respectful learning environment whilst at the same time giving our Minis players a solid grounding in the wonderful sport of Rugby, one of North America’s fastest growing grass level sports.
The U6/U8/U10 program provides a safe environment where kids can begin capturing great rugby memories. U6/U8 Flag puts FUN in rugby fundamentals.
Flag Rugby is a fun and exciting form of non-contact rugby suitable for boys and girls of all ages and abilities. There are no scrums, line-outs, or tackling allowed in flag rugby. Flag rugby is an excellent way of being introduced to some of the basic skills of rugby such as running, passing, and catching in a fun and safe environment.
Flag Rugby has the following advantages over traditional games:
- It gives a real incentive for defenders to defend
- It momentarily takes the ‘tackler’ out of the game as would occur in full contact rugby, allowing more time and space for the attacking team
- It encourages defenders to attack at the hips, as is required for solid proper tacking in later stages of rugby
- It encourages the correct lines of running required for success in the full 15 per side game
- And, most importantly, Flag Rugby is a fun game that can be played by everyone
The focus of the program is on fun, physical movement, and teamwork, with an overarching goal of developing an understanding of the game.
Skills that will be focused on throughout the year will be running, passing, catching, creating space on attack, and alignment on defense. These requirements mean that every player must move with and follow the play in order to be involved and support their teammates in order for the team to succeed.
In rugby, at any level, rarely can one player take over or control a game. Rugby is a true team sport and needs everyone’s participation, dedication, and team work in order to succeed.
These skills will be developed in training, fun exercises, game simulations, and through the various festival tournaments that we will be involved in.
In order to ensure a child’s best chance for success, our coaches are provided with appropriate training and resources. Many of our coaches are former or current senior players – they volunteer their time because they are passionate about teaching children this great game
The Crusaders U6/U8/U10 program is an excellent place to increase a child’s overall skill development and knowledge of the game in a risk free environment.
Training Dates – Summer Season (May-August):
- Training – 6:30 – 8:00 PM Thursday evenings (U6 Saturday only)
- Training – 9:00 – 10:30 AM Saturday mornings.
- Festivals – Saturday / Sunday Mornings (schedule to be confirmed, approximately two per month)
- The last festival is at end of August, but additional rugby is planned for the Fall.
Equipment
- Cleats – rugby or soccer
- Jersey – provided to each player at the beginning of the season to wash and keep. While required for festivals, we suggest minis also wear these to practices.
- Crusaders Black Shorts
- Crusaders Black Socks
Our objectives are for kids to:
- Have fun!
- Participate in safe, healthy, active living
- Learn the fundamentals of rugby and competition
There are 5 principles for the teams:
- Run forward
- Pass backward
- Stay in Bounds
- Listen to the coach
- Have fun!
We are part of a great rugby community and show our support by participating as spectators and honour guards at home games for Team Canada.
What you can expect from the season:
- Five or more tournaments involving other clubs
- Caring adults coaching your child to develop their rugby skills
- Participation-based coaching that encourages equal playing time. Kids would rather play on a losing team than be on the bench for a winning team.
- Open door for parents to participate and to share their observations. We can talk all you want before or after practice and games. Let’s keep the focus on the kids during practice and games.
