The Crusaders Minis Program

The Crusaders Minis program is for both boys and girls from age 4 through 12.

The Minis program is a fun and safe way to be exposed to rugby and develop fundamental skills progressing from flag rugby to controlled contact.

Introduction

Minis Program (U6, U8, U10 & U12) 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 Division

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.

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:

  1. Run forward
  2. Pass backward
  3. Stay in Bounds
  4. Listen to the coach
  5. 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:

  • Seven 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.

Training Dates – Summer Season (May-August):

  • Training – 6:30 – 8:00 PM Thursday evenings (U6 Saturday only)
  • Training – 9:00 – 11:00 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.

The U12 Division

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 for the 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. U12 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.

The U12 modified contact rugby program is co-ed welcoming boys and girls and will build on the development gained during the U6, U8 and U10 programs. It introduces more of the aspects and skills of the full game in a controlled and graduated manner. We welcome children who are new to rugby. This is a perfect age to start and they will find that, within a very few weeks, they are able to fully participate in the training program, scrimmages, games and tournaments.

While the focus of the program is on fun, physical movement, and teamwork, with an overarching goal of developing an understanding of the game; we also want children to have the opportunity to develop strong fundamentals for rugby through knowledgeable coaching. In order to ensure a child’s best chance for success, our coaches are provided with appropriate training and resources, and many of our coaches are former and current senior players.

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 requirements mean that every player must move with and follow the play in order to be involved and support their teammates for the team to succeed.

Skills that will be focused on throughout the year will be running, passing, catching, creating space on attack, and alignment on defense. These skills will be developed in training, fun exercises, game simulations, and through the various festival tournaments that we will be involved in throughout the season. The Crusaders program is an excellent place to increase a child’s overall skill development, knowledge of the game and level of fitness.

Training & Game Times – Summer Season (May – August)

  • Training – 6:30 – 8:00 PM Thursday evenings
  • Training – 9:00 – U11:00 AM Saturday mornings. Training starts Saturday May 5th
  • 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.

Playing Equipment

  • Mouthguard – mandatory for training and games
  • Cleats – rugby or soccer. NO METAL STUDS
  • Jersey – Club provided
  • Shorts – black
  • Socks – black
  • Water bottle – named

Mouthguards are mandatory for all training sessions and games. Low cost home molded mouthguards can be obtained from any sports shop for approximately $10 – $40. A dental technician or doctor fitted custom mouthguard is highly recommended. They are far less bulky, fit precisely and stay in place (cost approximately $45 – $80).

Rugby or soccer cleats are required. Soccer cleats are most common. Please avoid or replace metal studs as they provide no advantage on hard fields and frequently injure other players.

The Crusaders will be providing club jerseys, please be patient with our suppliers.

No glasses / eyewear or jewelry are allowed at training sessions or games as they can potentially cause injury.