Mini Rugby Festivals in full flow across Scotland

There have been tries and skills to celebrate and new teammates aplenty as young rugby players from around 40 clubs have taken to the pitch at festivals in Lenzie, Bannockburn, Ross Sutherland, Melrose and Biggar. 

Scottish Rugby has supported five festivals so far during the season, providing practical and financial assistance to help clubs deliver these. Many of these have seen high turnouts and with Lochie, the Scottish Rugby mascot, joining the action.

These festivals are part of Scottish Rugby’s Mini Rugby Project, which aims to help clubs increase participation among 8 – 12-year-olds by creating positive environments for every child keen to pick up a ball. They’re a chance to learn new skills, make friends and discover the benefits of playing as part of a team. 

Clubs across Scotland are already doing a fantastic job of delivering Mini Rugby, and Scottish Rugby is working with pilot clubs this season to support these existing festivals, learn what works and identify where extra help can make the difference. 

Coaches and volunteers at these clubs who know their communities best are helping to shape the project’s next steps through sharing their feedback and experiences at recent regional information sessions, which brought together 131 attendees representing 70 clubs.

These sessions will help ensure the Mini Rugby Framework reflects the realities of delivering an enjoyable experience for all.

‘Enjoyment’ and ‘a positive experience for children’ emerged as clear priorities, alongside the need to give volunteers practical support without adding to their workload. 

From festival planning and coach development to equipment, communications and positive pitchside behaviour lessons, the project is focused on helping clubs create these experiences for young players and families. 

Scottish Rugby’s Development Officer Network has also played an important role, while Edinburgh Rugby and Glasgow Warriors have brought additional excitement to events through prizes, interactive zones and appearances from professional players. 

Resources are also being developed through Gainline, Scottish Rugby’s education platform, and the dedicated Mini Rugby section of the Scottish Rugby website, giving clubs and volunteers practical guidance they can use, including templates and examples they can adapt to their own environment. 

Scottish Rugby’s new Coach Accreditation programme, which provides a structured way for coaches across Scotland to develop their skills, will include Mini Rugby-specific workshops. These will feature in each block of the programme, giving coaches the opportunity to build their knowledge, find out more HERE. 

With five festivals now completed, the experiences shared by children, families, coaches and volunteers will help inform the Mini Rugby Framework & Standards, alongside future resources and festival support. 

There’s plenty more to look forward to, with upcoming Scottish Rugby Supported Mini Festivals being hosted at clubs including Panmure, Garioch, Stirling County, Livingston, Dunbar, Whitecraigs, Marr and Hamilton. 

The aim is to give every child the chance to get involved, begin their rugby journey, develop their skills and feel part of their local community.