The Mini and Junior sections at Northampton Old Scouts Rugby Union Football Club run teams from Under 6* through to Under 16. Players who are under 17 and Under 18 are eligible to play Academy rugby. *Children must have started primary school.

Old Scouts always welcomes new players and boys are welcome to play across all age groups while girls are most welcome from U6* to U12.

All teams have dedicated coaches qualified through the RFU and all volunteers and coaches have current CRB enhanced clearance. Training is geared towards enjoyment and the development of young players to their potential.

The Club hand book (web link) contains all our policies and guidelines and is accepted by all parents, playing and non playing members.

Age groups fall into categories of rugby as prescribed by the RFU continuum, with each age group adding the specified elements to their game:

Under 6* | Tag rugby (non contact) - 4 a side; players cannot play in competitive matched against other teams; training games only.

Under 7 | Tag rugby (non contact) | 4-a-side | maximum 10 minute halves; maximum 50 minutes per day

Under 8 Tag rugby + 6 tags to score (non contact) | 6 a side | maximum 10 minute halves; maximum 50 minutes per day

Under 9 | Contact + Tackle including hold | 7 a side | maximum 15 minute halves; maximum 60 minutes per day

Under 10 | Uncontested 3-man scrum; ruck and maul - 1 support player per team; tackle not hold | Mixed 8-a-side | maximum 15 minute halves; maximum 60 minutes per day

Under 11 | 3-man scrum - strike no push; ruck and maul - 2 support players per team; kicking - no fly hack | Mixed 9-a-side | maximum 20 minute halves; maximum 70 minutes per day

Under 12 | 5-man scrum - strike no push; unlimited ruck and maul; fend below armpits - Mixed 12-a-side | maximum 20 minute halves; maximum 70 minutes per day

Under 13 | 6-man scrum - strike and push; kicking including flyhack | Boys 13-a-side | maximum 25 minute halves; maximum 80 minutes per day

Under 14 | 8-man scrum - No 8 pick and run; uncontested line-out; goal kicking | Boys 15-a-side | maximum 25 minute halves; maximum 80 minutes per day

Under 15 | Uncontested line-out with lifting | Boys 15-a-side | maximum 30 minute halves; maximum 90 minutes per day

Under 16 | Contested line-out with lifting | Boys 15-a-side | maximum 35 minute halves; maximum 90 minutes per day

Academy | Full laws | Boys 15-a-side | maximum 35 minute halves; maximum 90 minutes per day

For Under 6 to Under 16s coaching sessions are held on Sunday mornings (10-12 noon) and matches are arranged throughout the year, either home or away, according to the structured season.

Under 17 and Under 18 players have mid week training and matches on Saturdays.