Engaging Young People

More than half of rugby players in England are under the age of 19 and more and more of them are from non-traditional rugby backgrounds.  Rugby union is higher profile, more visible, more attractive and "cooler" than ever to children in secondary school.

As part of Choose Rugby, the new programme encouraging people to try the game, there are regularly updated videos and other information that can be used to engage students.

Talking and Listening to Young People

The role therefore that young people play in the future of rugby union is taken seriously by the RFU.  We now have tools and resources that talk directly to young people as well as, essentially, channels to listen to what they think. 

The RFU National Youth Council (just like school councils) provides a voice for young people in the game and includes school students.  Recently the NYC surveyed over 2400 other young people and produced a report about what they thought of the game.

Visit our Youth webpages for more about how rugby union engages with young people and can help schools to do so as well.

Talking to Your School Players

There is also the chance for you to do the same for your own school rugby club.  All member schools now get the benefit of their own rugby website on which they can talk to their own club membership.  They can upload match reports and stories written by students, have a news section for the school or set up specific year group or team pages. 

If your school is interested in this then simply e-mail us on schools@therfu.com for more details.