Below is a list of questions, if you have a question not answered below, please contact us directly, via our friendly Convenor on [email protected], via Facebook or via WhatsApp/Call: +44 7533 792 529
We are located at Shaw’s Bridge in South Belfast. Turn off the A55 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.
Address: 123 Milltown Rd, Belfast BT8 4XP, click for directions
Our mini teams align to the school year, P1 and P2 are combined then there are individual teams from P3 through to P7.
Absolutely – girls are not at any real disadvantage in mini rugby where speed and agility are more important than strength and physical size.
Girls can play in any of the mixed girls and boys teams from P1 – P7. We have many girls across the various age groups already and we are always keen to encourage more to come and join us.
If you have any questions regarding which is the best option for your girl – please contact our Convenor.
We play every Saturday morning (pausing for school holidays) from late August to early May. Both coaching and matches are typically on Saturday mornings.
Saturday coaching sessions at Shaw’s Bridge run from 09.15am for a 09.30 am start and the starting times of matches vary so please ask to be part of the WhatsApp group with your respective Coach for details.
Sure – you can avail of TWO FREE WEEKS – this will allow you assess if mini-rugby is for your child.
Please get in touch via [email protected] or via Facebook so we can put you in touch with your age group coach.
Not at all!
We have kids from a whole range of primary schools in the local area and are always keen for anyone to join, from any background. It is a great opportunity for kids to branch out and meet new friends away from their normal classroom buddies, building relationships and teamwork.
COME JOIN US! See the ‘join’ page of this website for more details. TWO FREE WEEKS availble to try it out.
It would be ideal to join at the start of the season to ensure you get the best value from your membership.
Kids are welcome to join at any stage of the season.
Absolutely! Ireland legends Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell didn’t play their first rugby match until they were 11 and 10 respectively! Kids are quick learners, and our coaches will ensure they catch up quickly.
We would of course love all our kids to start in P1 and work their way up through the age groups, but we have new joiners in most age groups across the year and anything we can do to welcome new starters let us know!
The club has a bespoke kit available through VX3 (see the Join page), although not essential for training.
All rugby is played outdoors and subject to the elements therefore all players need:
• rugby/football boots,
• extra thermal layers (it can get cold), waterproof jacket (it can get wet)
• a named drinks bottle (is essential) and a healthy snack
Teams manage fixtures and availability using WhatsApp (your age group coach will sign you up) – please let the coaching staff know your intentions so they can play accordingly.
Yes, so please be prepared for the elements, warm clothing for children and waterproofs for adults. We only cancel matches when the pitches are flooded, there is snow, or they are frozen due to frost. The club will try and give as much notice as possible via social media and WhatsApp.
We travel to a number of other clubs to play in matches and festivals throughout the season. You’ll find your kid(s) will want to attend as many as possible to test their skills against other teams and enjoy the craic with their friends. Families typically make their own travel arrangements but often car pool.
Yes – we are supported by Ulster Rugby / IRFU to ensure all of our volunteer coaches obtain an Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Certificate and undergo safeguarding training.
The majority of parents choose to stay and watch and this is encouraged. However, you are welcome to leave your children in our care subject to a couple of caveats:
• They must be collected promptly at end of training
• Your Age Group Manager/Coaches MUST BE advised that you are not staying but that you will return as stated
No, it’s much more exciting! But with a lot less focus on power in contact, its about learning the basics well and generating enthusiasm to properly prepare kids for (hopefully) a future of Youth & Senior participation.
The small sided game on a smaller pitch means it is much faster moving and everyone is involved all of time.
• P1 & P2 – focus on movement and ball handling
• P3 – introduction of small sided matches – touch rugby only
• P4 – introduction of tackling
• P5 – introduction of rucks at breakdown
• P6 – introduction of scrum (3 players), lineouts (3 players) and kicking in play
• P7 – introduction of scrums (5 players), lineout (4 players)
The ethos of mini rugby is to foster and develop young players (boys and girls) of all ability in the game of rugby in a safe, non-competition*, enjoyable environment through activities which ensure progressive skill development for all participants in line with the IRFU LTD (long term development pathway), Child Welfare Policy and Traditions of Rugby Union.
*non-competition meaning no leagues, cups and Blitzes and / or events resulting in play off matches or finals. Streaming of players is not allowed.
Yes – we hold have a Christmas Party and end of Season Party with bouncy castles, activities and all family members welcome. We also host a number of fundraising events each year which will be promoted through our Social media channels.
We undertook a survey with parents at the end of the 2023/24 season. 62 families responded (54% of total) – key highlights:
• Our communication was rated as 4.7 / 5
• Quality of coaching as 4.7 / 5
key words used: dedicated, structure/organised, fun, friendly & engaging, encouraging and caring, rounded approach
• Kids enjoyment 4.7 / 5
key comments: excited to go each week, enjoying many friends from different Schools, enjoys travelling away for matches, confidence building.
• Why Cooke?
Welcoming, friendly atmosphere, strong reputation and quality coaching/organisation
• 100% recommendation rate!
81% of parents are ‘very likely’ to recommend Cooke Mini-Rugby Club to a friend, and the remaining 19% selected likely
• 95% of parents rated the value for money of Cooke Mini-Rugby Club membership as ‘very good’ or ‘good’.
Please get in touch via our friendly Convenor, [email protected], via Facebook or WhatsApp/call our Convenor Norman McKenzie on: +44 7533 792 529
