Rugby-mad family bringing coaching sessions for children to Batley, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton

A rugby-mad family will be bringing coaching sessions for two to seven year olds to Batley, Heckmondwike and Cleckheaton from September.

The Rugbytots classes, hosted by Shaun and Emma Hosier, will be delivered by trained coaches and will teach the basics of how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team.

The Rugbytots classes in Batley, Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike will be hosted by Shaun and Emma Hosier (pictured centre along with their three children and the Rugbytots mascot).

placeholder image — The Rugbytots classes in Batley, Cleckheaton and Heckmondwike will be hosted by Shaun and Emma Hosier (pictured centre along with their three children and the Rugbytots mascot).

The lessons will also include learning about colours, shapes and counting with a focus on early years development, while the programme is specifically designed for each age group.

A taster session for families was held at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre on Saturday, June 6, with Shaun and Emma’s sons - Ryan, 17, a Leeds Rhinos academy player, and 14-year-old Taylor, who plays for Drighlington - helping out.

Emma, a former primary school teacher, told the Reporter Series at the Rugbytots launch: “Rugby has been a massive part of all our lives. Our boys who have played rugby since being tots themselves, we have also got a four-year-old, and Shaun has been involved in playing and coaching from a young age.

“We have all got a passion for getting children active and the good thing about Rugbytots is whilst they are learning the skills of rugby, they are also learning about colours, shapes, and taking turns. It benefits them all round.”

Asked how important it was to make these sessions available to people in North Kirklees ahead of the September start, Emma said: “It is really important for the local community because we have got a massive issue with too much screen time. There are lots of activities aimed at older children starting at five and six years of age, but there’s not that much for the younger children.

“This will get them active from the age of two, and, hopefully, later, they could then go to a local rugby club which we can signpost them to, and then the clubs are benefitting as well.”