A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR PARENTS NEW TO RUGBY
YOUTH RUGBY IN METRO ATLANTA
Never played rugby? Don't know the rules? Not sure whether rugby is right for your child? You're in the right place. Most parents don't need to understand rugby before their child tries it. And your child doesn't need rugby experience either. Here's what you actually need to know.
THE BASICS
WHAT IS YOUTH RUGBY?
Rugby is a team sport where players run with the ball, pass to teammates and work together to move the ball down the field and score.
For younger players, rugby starts with the basics: running, passing, catching, finding space and learning to play as part of a team. More of the game is introduced as players get older and develop their skills.
You don't need to understand rugby before your child starts. They'll learn the game as they play it.
QUESTIONS PARENTS ASK ABOUT YOUTH RUGBY
Please reach out to us at join@exilesrugby.org if you cannot find an answer to your question.
No. Most young players in the United States begin rugby without any previous experience. Coaches teach the game from the beginning, including passing, catching, positioning and the basic rules. Parents don't need to know rugby either.
Children can begin rugby at a young age. You'll often see age groups described as U8, U10, U12, U14, U16 and U19. The "U" simply means "under." At Exiles Rugby Academy, younger children can begin with Minis and progress through high-school-age rugby.
Not always. Younger children can learn through touch and other non-contact forms of rugby. At Exiles Rugby Academy, we do not introduce tackle rugby before U12. Contact skills are introduced progressively as players get older with appropriate coaching.
Absolutely not. Rugby has roles for many different types of players. Speed, strength, agility, endurance, decision-making, communication and teamwork can all be valuable. There isn't one particular size or body type required to play rugby.
Absolutely! 110%! Rugby opportunities for girls continue to grow throughout the United States. Exiles Rugby Academy welcomes both boys and girls, including high-school-age players, and beginners are welcome.
Not much. Players generally need comfortable athletic clothing and appropriate boots or cleats. Players participating in contact rugby will also need a mouthguard. You don't need to buy a large amount of expensive equipment just to let your child try rugby.
It doesn't have to be. It certainly doesn't at Exiles. Costs vary between rugby programs, so parents should ask what registration includes and whether there are additional uniform, travel, tournament or governing-body fees. Exiles is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) community rugby club and works deliberately to keep rugby affordable. We are proud of that. Our club fees are published openly on our website. If anyone needs help covering fees, we help.
No. Exiles Rugby Academy is a community rugby club. Players can attend different public schools, private schools, charter schools or be homeschooled. One of the great things about club rugby is that kids from different schools and communities get to become teammates.
Yes. Many young rugby players also participate in football, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, track and other sports. Rugby can complement other sports, and young players do not need to specialize in rugby.
Youth rugby is played throughout Metro Atlanta, with community rugby clubs serving different parts of the region. Exiles Rugby Academy is based in Alpharetta and welcomes players from across Metro Atlanta, including Alpharetta, Milton, Johns Creek, North Fulton, Forsyth and surrounding communities. Exiles offers rugby for boys and girls from Minis (introductory rugby for younger children) through high-school-age rugby, and new players are always welcome.
READY TO TRY RUGBY?
COME MEET THE EXILES
The easiest way to understand rugby is to come see it for yourself.
Exiles Rugby Academy welcomes boys and girls from across Metro Atlanta. No rugby experience is necessary, and parents don't need to know the game either.
Come meet the coaches, meet the club and see whether rugby is right for your child.