RFL Updates School Games Formats for Rugby League | Youth Sport Trust
The Rugby Football League (RFL) is expanding opportunities for young players with a refresh of its school sports programs, aligning with the Youth Sport Trust’s national School Games initiative. The changes, announced , focus on inclusivity and skill development across both primary and secondary school levels.
The School Games program, funded by Sport England and delivered by the Youth Sport Trust, aims to provide young people with opportunities for regular physical activity. It brings together Active Partnerships, National Governing Bodies, and School Games Organisers (SGOs) to deliver high-quality school sport, and competition. The program emphasizes achieving 60 active minutes a day for young participants.
Primary School Focus: Introducing TryLeague
A significant update centers on primary school rugby league, with the introduction of a refreshed format called TryLeague. This new approach moves away from traditional competitive structures and prioritizes festivals centered around fun-based participation. The RFL intends for TryLeague to foster core thinking skills and fundamental movement skills, building confidence and competence in young athletes.
According to the RFL, the TryLeague format is designed to encourage teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving, while still upholding the core values associated with rugby league. The emphasis is on creating a positive and engaging experience for all children, regardless of their skill level or prior experience with the sport.
Expanding Options for Secondary Schools
For secondary school students, the RFL is broadening the range of available rugby league formats. In addition to established traditional formats, schools can now implement structured Touch and Tag Rugby League competitions. These modified versions of the game offer varying levels of contact, catering to a wider range of abilities and experiences.
This diversification aims to increase student engagement with rugby league, providing accessible pathways for both newcomers and those looking to refine their skills. The introduction of Touch and Tag Rugby League offers a less physically demanding entry point to the sport, potentially attracting students who might not otherwise participate in full-contact versions.
Supporting Teachers and Organizers
The RFL recognizes the importance of providing support to teachers and SGOs in implementing these new formats. The refreshed programs are designed with clear and flexible resources, aligning with the broader vision of the School Games. This support system aims to ensure positive experiences for students and inspire lifelong participation in sport and physical activity.
Andrea Murray, RFL National Development Manager, expressed enthusiasm for the new initiatives, stating, “We’re delighted to launch our new Primary and Secondary School Games formats in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust. These refreshed offers place enjoyment, inclusion and skill development at the centre of the experience. By introducing festival-style activity in Primary schools and expanding competitive formats in Secondary schools, we’re creating more opportunities than ever for young people to engage with Rugby League in a way that suits them.”
The Youth Sport Trust’s Role
The Youth Sport Trust, the UK’s leading charity dedicated to improving young people’s education and development through sport and play, played a crucial role in the overhaul of these competition offers. The organization’s work focuses on empowering young people to achieve their personal best and equipping educators to positively impact lives.
Recent data from the Youth Sport Trust highlights the importance of physical activity for young people’s well-being. The charity’s research indicates that children in the UK are experiencing increased levels of unhappiness, unhealthiness, and distraction, with a significant percentage spending excessive time online. Programs like the School Games, and the RFL’s contribution to it, are seen as vital in addressing these challenges.
Rugby League’s Commitment to Inclusivity
The RFL’s commitment to inclusivity is a central theme of these changes. Rugby League can be played as a full-contact, semi-contact, or non-contact game, and team sizes can vary significantly, allowing for flexibility in adapting the sport to different environments and skill levels. The sport aims to be diverse and deliver a positive social impact to all participants.
The School Games formats encompass a variety of playing offers, supported by resources designed to develop players, officials, leaders, and teachers. Rugby League is built on the principles of teamwork and respect, fostering lifelong skills that contribute to a young person’s holistic development. The introduction of these refreshed formats signals a proactive approach by the RFL to broaden the appeal of the sport and create more opportunities for young people to experience its benefits.
With these new formats now implemented, schools across the country are poised to embark on an exciting new chapter for Rugby League within the School Games program, potentially fostering a new generation of players and enthusiasts.