In a slight diversion from top class Rugby, it was my turn to accompany Jnr to his match(es) yesterday. This was the 5th/6th matches the U10’s have played since full contact was introduced.
It got a little bit dusty. As a former player I got over excited almost becoming a touch judge in my eagerness to follow his play up and down the pitch shouting instructions. The experience was as exciting as any international I’ve seen.
The kids are really getting stuck in. Even after injury – a smack on the nose and a bleeding fat lip for one, several windings, and with KJ01 specifically some slightly bruised ribs their tenacity, commitment to the tackles, going forward clinging to the ball during tackles and pace of some of the tries was astounding – and I speak of the opposition teams as well.
Also, some of the kids are starting to show their naturally positioning as they develop and grow physically. You can see those running straight and hard starting to play off the SH position, my boy (he’s short and fast) seemed to naturally defer to SH and was sweeping the defensive line, and coming into the passing line on attack during running play.
What heartened me most that even at this level, when there’s an injury the kids instantly walk over to help their team mate, respect for “Sir” is there and some handshakes and hugs at the end of the matches with the oppo were heartwarming.
And these are 8/9 year olds, I came away feeling very proud of 60 kids from various clubs who showed teamwork, courage and humanity at such an early age.
Anyway, as you were…
It’s bloody great isn’t it. I coach my son’s team. It’s one of the most rewarding things I have done.
However, what sucks is when your kid gets concussion at age 9…he’s not the biggest lad, went in for a tackle got bounced off by a big lump and bounced his head off the ground. Out for a few secs, now in the Concussion Protocol.