Under 6 – Under 12
Rugby starts here
Thatcham RFC Minis gives children aged 5–12 their first taste of rugby, fun, safe and built around RFU Regulation 15.
Next fixture
View all fixturesThere are no upcoming fixtures scheduled right now.
Welcome
What are Thatcham RFC Minis?
Thatcham RFC Minis is the junior section of Thatcham Rugby Football Club, catering for children from Under 6 (Year 1) through to Under 12 (Year 7). We run every Sunday morning throughout the rugby season, from the first Sunday in September to the last Sunday in April.
Whether your child has never touched a rugby ball or has been kicking one around the garden for years, our qualified coaches will make sure they have a brilliant time. First three sessions are completely free, so there's nothing to lose.
The Player Pathway
Under 6 to Under 12
Every age group at Thatcham Minis follows the RFU's Age-Grade Rules of Play (Regulation 15), which steadily introduces contact, set-piece and pitch size as players grow in age, confidence and skill.
Under 6
School Year 1
- Format: Ball-in-hand, tag
- Focus: Movement, catching, fun
- Fixtures: Club festivals only
- Contact: None
Under 7
School Year 2
- Format: Tag rugby, 4 v 4
- Pitch: 20m x 12m
- Ball: Size 3
- Contact: None
Under 8
School Year 3
- Format: Tag rugby, 6 v 6
- Pitch: 45m x 22m
- Ball: Size 3
- Contact: None
Under 9
School Year 4
- Format: 7 v 7
- Pitch: 60m x 30m
- Ball: Size 3
- Contact: Introduced gradually
Under 10
School Year 5
- Format: 8 v 8, uncontested scrum
- Pitch: 60m x 35m
- Ball: Size 4
- Contact: Tackling, rucking
Under 11
School Year 6
- Format: 9 v 9, contested scrum (5)
- Pitch: 60m x 43m
- Ball: Size 4
- Contact: Full tackling & rucking
Under 12
School Year 7
- Format: 12 v 12, scrum of 6
- Pitch: 60m x 43m (half pitch)
- Ball: Size 4
- Contact: Limited hand-off below armpit
- Squads: Boys (U12 Boys) and girls (U12 Girls) train and play in separate squads
Ages shown are the RFU age band as at 1 September. Pitch sizes are maximums, coaches and referees may reduce them where it is safer to do so. Full detail is published by the RFU in Regulation 15 – Age-Grade Rugby, which all Thatcham Minis coaches follow.
When & Where
Join us every Sunday
- Venue
- Henwick Worthy Sports Ground
- Address
- Thatcham, RG18 3BN
- Arrival
- 9:45am
- Kick-off
- 10:00am
- Season
- First Sunday in September – last Sunday in April
- Parking
- Free on site
Venue
Henwick Worthy Sports Ground
All age groups train at Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, Thatcham, RG18 3BN. Free parking is available on site, and a clubhouse is open for refreshments.
Why Minis Rugby
Built on RFU Regulation 15
Regulation 15 is the RFU's framework for age-grade rugby. It exists to keep the game appropriate, safe and enjoyable at every stage and it shapes everything we do at Thatcham RFC Minis.
Safeguarding
DBS-checked coaches
All coaches and volunteers working with our Minis hold current DBS checks and RFU safeguarding qualifications, in line with Regulation 15 and RFU safeguarding policy.
Half-game rule
Every child plays
In line with Regulation 15's Half Game Rule, every player selected for a match squad gets at least half the available playing time — no child sits out all game.
Right stage, right age
Progressive contact
Contact, pitch size and team numbers increase gradually from U6 through to U12, so every player is only ever asked to play at a level appropriate to their age group.
Getting Ready
What to bring on a Sunday
You don't need a full kitbag to try your first session — just boots and a willingness to join in. Once you've joined, here's what most Minis families bring week to week.
- Rugby boots (moulded studs are fine for Minis pitches), or appropriate footwear depending on the ground
- Gum shield — compulsory for all contact age groups (U9 and above)
- Club shirt, shorts and socks (available from the club shop at a discounted rate)
- A warm training top or base layer for early-season and late-April mornings
- A labelled water bottle
- Shin pads (optional, but popular with younger age groups)
- Waterproof coat and a change of clothes for after training
New to the club?
Come along in trainers and a tracksuit — your first three sessions are free, so there's no need to buy anything before you know you're staying. After that, our club shop can kit your player out.
Join Us
Make an enquiry
Thinking of bringing your child along? Tell us a little about them and a member of our Minis committee will be in touch, or come and find us pitchside any Sunday from 9:45am.
- Section
- Thatcham RFC Minis (U6–U12)
- Training ground
- Henwick Worthy Sports Ground, Thatcham, RG18 3BN
- Session time
- Sundays, 9:45am arrival for a 10:00am start
- Season
- First Sunday in September – last Sunday in April
- Minis Section Email
- [email protected]