​WHY WEEKEND ACTIVITIES MATTER
​Sure, I get it - weekends can be chaotic enough without adding structured activities into the mix. But here’s the thing: regular weekend activities give kids more than just something to do.

They help develop:

• Motor skills through running, jumping, and coordination activities
  
• Social skills by interacting with other children their age
  
• Confidence in trying new things in a safe environment
  
• Routine that gives them something to look forward to each week.

Research from the Early Years Foundation Stage shows that active play and social interaction are crucial for development in young children. Weekend classes and activities provide exactly that.

​​🏉 GET ACTIVE WITH A STRUCTURED SPORTS CLASS
​As a Sports Coach, naturally I would always try and encourage parents to explore this route fully. From football to swimming, cricket to tennis there really is something for everyone. That said, I genuinely believe nothing comes close to what it can offer children than non-contact rugby classes with Rugrats Rugby.

Non-contact rugby coaching focuses on developing core motor skills, teamwork, and confidence. Classes are split by age group (2-4 years and 4-7 years), with games, skill-building activities, and plenty of encouragement.

As a coach, I’ve seen hundreds of kids come through our classes over the years. The ones who stick with it consistently show real improvements in coordination, listening skills, and confidence. Plus, it gives parents a solid routine every weekend.

“My son has been going to Rugrats Rugby for two years now and his confidence has absolutely soared. He’s learned to follow instructions, work as part of a team, and his coordination has improved massively.”
Rob - Middlesbrough Rugrats

👉🏼 Book a free taster session

​​🚶🏻‍♂️‍➡️WALKING AND FOREST ADVENTURES
If your kids love being outdoors and exploring, the North East has some fantastic walking and forest areas:

Guisborough Forest – Brilliant for family walks with well-marked trails, forest play areas, and plenty of space for kids to explore. The walking trails vary in difficulty, so there’s something for all ages and abilities.

Flatts Lane Woodland Country Park (Middlesbrough) – Local woodland with easy walking trails, perfect for younger children. Good for a quick nature walk without traveling far.

Errington Woods (Eston) – Lovely woodland walks with streams and natural play opportunities. Kids love exploring the different paths and spotting wildlife.
​
Roseberry Topping – For slightly older or more adventurous kids (5-7 years), this iconic North Yorkshire hill offers a proper family challenge with stunning views at the top.

Walking and forest activities are great for developing gross motor skills, building stamina, and encouraging curiosity about nature.

​🏛️ ​VISIT A MUSEUM OR HISTORIC SITE
Rainy weekend? Museums and historic sites are perfect for keeping kids engaged indoors:

Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) – Free entry to contemporary art exhibitions, plus family-friendly workshops and activities on weekends. Worth checking their schedule for kids’ events.

Ormesby Hall (National Trust) – Beautiful historic house with gardens and woodland walks. The National Trust often runs family activities and trails during school holidays and weekends.

Captain Cook Birthplace Museum (Stewart Park) – Learn about Captain Cook’s life and voyages. Interactive exhibits that work well for curious kids.

Dorman Museum (Middlesbrough) – Local history museum with natural history exhibits, including dinosaurs. Free entry and good for a couple of hours.

Preston Hall Museum (Stockton) – Victorian street recreation, toy collection, and beautiful grounds. Kids love exploring the old-fashioned street.

Museums provide a different kind of learning experience and work brilliantly when outdoor activities aren’t an option.

​​FAQ’s
Q: How much do weekend activities in Teesside typically cost?
It varies. Parks, forests, and many museums are free. Structured classes like rugby and football are typically around £8-10 per week (Rugrats currently start at £24.99pm). Swimming and soft play are around £5-8 per session. National Trust sites require membership or entry fee.
​
Q: What’s the best age to start structured weekend classes?
Many classes (including rugby) start from age 2. At this age, children are ready to follow simple instructions, engage with other kids, and benefit from structured play.

Q: What if the weather’s rubbish?
Museums, soft play centres, and swimming pools are your best bets. Some forest walks are still enjoyable in light rain if you’re properly dressed. Some activities (like Rugrats) are indoors so are unaffected by the weather.

Q: Do I need to book in advance?
For classes like rugby, yes – spaces are limited and booking is essential. For parks and forests, just turn up. Museums and National Trust sites are worth checking online first for opening times and any special events.
​
Q: What if my child is shy or nervous about group activities?
Most classes offer free taster sessions so your child can try before you commit. Coaches are experienced in helping shy children settle in, and parent involvement is encouraged for younger age groups.

READY TO GET YOUR WEEKEND SORTED?
Weekends with kids don’t have to be stressful or repetitive.

Teesside the surrounding areas have plenty of options to keep little ones active, engaged, and developing new skills every week. The key is finding the right mix: one regular structured activity for consistency and skill development, plus a variety of free and flexible options for spontaneous fun.
​
If you’re looking for a structured activity that combines physical development, social skills, and a lot of fun, Rugrats Rugby might be worth a try.

👉🏼 Book a free taster session – Saturdays in Middlesbrough or Sundays in Guisborough. No commitment, no pressure – just come along and see if it’s right for your child.

When you hear "rugby," you might picture burly players tackling each other in muddy scrums. So when parents discover we teach rugby to children as young as two, the first question is always: "But... is it safe?"

​The short answer? Absolutely! But let's dive deeper into rugby safety for toddlers and explain exactly how non-contact rugby works - because your little one's safety is just as important to us as it is to you.

What Exactly is Non-Contact Rugby for Toddlers & Young Children?
​Here's the thing: non-contact rugby explained is actually pretty simple. It's all the fun, skills, and excitement of rugby – without any of the physical contact you see in professional matches.

Think of it as rugby's greatest hits for tiny humans:
🏉 Running with a ball (because who doesn't love that?)
🏉 Passing and catching (hello, hand-eye coordination!)
🏉 Finding space and dodging (ninja skills in the making)
🏉 Tag games instead of tackles (everyone stays upright and smiling)
🏉 Learning teamwork and listening skills (life skills disguised as fun)

​At Rugrats Rugby, our classes for 2-7 year olds are specifically designed around age-appropriate activities. No tackling. No scrums. No contact whatsoever. Just pure, energetic fun that builds confidence, coordination, and a love of sport.

The Numbers Don't Lie: Rugby Safety for Toddlers
​Non-contact rugby programmes have injury rates comparable to, or even lower than, other popular children's activities like gymnastics, football, or playground play.

Why? Because non-contact rugby for young children:
✅ Eliminates the primary injury risk (physical collisions)
✅ Uses age-appropriate, soft equipment (lightweight rugby balls, foam posts)
✅ Focuses on fundamental movement skills in a controlled environment
✅ Is supervised by trained, DBS-checked coaches at all times
✅ Teaches spatial awareness that actually helps prevent accidents

​In our 10+ years running Rugrats Rugby classes across Teesside, we've had zero serious injuries. That's not luck – that's careful planning, proper supervision, and a curriculum built around safety first.

​Our Safety-First Approach at Rugrats Rugby Safety isn't just a buzzword for us – it's built into everything we do.

Here's how we make sure every class is as safe as it is fun:
🛡️ Qualified, Insured Coaches
Every session is led by experienced coaches (Chris and Josh) who are fully insured and DBS-checked. Additional assistant coaches never work alone and are there to provide extra eyes and support.
🛡️ Age-Appropriate Class Structure
We split children into age groups (2-4 years and 4-7 years) so activities match their developmental stage. Younger children do shorter, simpler activities with more parent involvement.
🛡️ Safe Equipment & Venues
All our equipment – from balls to hoops to posts – is specifically designed for young children. We hire spacious venues (usually schools) with plenty of room to move safely.
🛡️ Small Class Sizes
With a maximum of 16 children per class, we maintain excellent coach-to-child ratios. Everyone gets attention, and no one gets lost in the crowd.
​🛡️ Comprehensive Insurance
​All our classes and birthday parties are covered by general public liability insurance for sports coaches. Your peace of mind is our priority.

​Don't Just Take Our Word for It – Hear from Genuine Rugrats Parents
"When I first heard about rugby for toddlers, I'll admit I was skeptical. But after watching the first class, I realized how safe and well-organized everything was. My son absolutely loves it, and I've never worried about his safety for a second." – Sarah

"The coaches are brilliant with the kids. They make it fun but also really emphasize listening and following instructions, which actually makes it safer than the chaos of a typical playground! My daughter has been going for two years and we've never had any issues." – Mark

"I love that it's non-contact. My little one gets all the benefits of team sport and physical activity without any of the rough-and-tumble. Plus, the confidence she's gained is incredible!" – Jess
​
We're proud to say we've had zero complaints from parents in our years of operation – and retention speaks volumes. When parents see their children thriving in a safe, supportive environment, they stick with us term after term.

​Why Non-Contact Rugby is Perfect for Your Toddler or Young Child
Safety is the foundation, but the benefits of non-contact rugby go so much further:
​
🏃 Physical Development 
Motor skills, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness all improve through varied, fun activities.
🧠 Cognitive Skills
Following instructions, understanding rules, and making quick decisions help develop young minds.
🤝 Social Skills
Teamwork, sharing, taking turns, and playing alongside others build crucial social confidence.
🎯 Emotional Growth
Trying new things, celebrating success, and handling challenges build resilience and self-esteem.
​🏉 Love of Sport
​Starting with positive, pressure-free experiences creates lifelong enthusiasm for physical activity.

​And here's the best part: your child develops all these skills while having an absolute blast. They don't even realize they're learning – they just think they're playing rugby!

​Your Questions About Rugby Safety for Toddlers, Answered
What if my child is shy or nervous? 
No problem! Our coaches are experienced at welcoming nervous children. Parents can stay close (especially in our 2-4 year old classes), and we never force participation. Most children warm up within a session or two.

What if my child has never played sport before?
Even better! We're often a child's first sporting experience, and we love it that way. No experience needed – just enthusiasm and a willingness to try.

Do I need to buy special equipment?
​Nope! We provide all equipment. Your child just needs comfortable clothes they can move in and a drink. That's it.

​Ready to Try Rugby the Safe Way?
Now that you know all about rugby safety for toddlers and young children and how non-contact rugby works, why not see it for yourself? We run classes every weekend across Teesside:
📍 Middlesbrough – Saturday mornings, 9am-12pm
📍 Guisborough – Sunday mornings, 9am-12pm

With classes for ages 2-4 and 4-7 at both venues plus a 3.5-5yo class at Middlesbrough, there's a perfect fit for your little one. Plus, with our rolling monthly commitment, you're never locked in – though we think you'll want to stick around!

Book Your First Class Here
👉 https://rugrats-rugby-cleveland.classforkids.io/

​Got questions? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch and let's chat about how Rugrats Rugby can give your child a safe, fun introduction to sport. Because when it comes to your child's safety and happiness, we never compromise – and we think you'll see that from the very first session. 🏉

The Motor Skills Showdown: Rugby vs Football

When it comes to your child’s development, nothing is more important, and choosing the right sport to aid their physical development is crucial. Let’s take a look at what they can expect to gain via football in comparison to rugby. 

⚽️ Football: Football is, as you may have guessed, all about footwork! While kicking is important, focussing purely on this skill severely limits the range of movements a child experiences during their formative years. Of course, there will be elements of other core movement, but these are very much restricted and take a back seat. Put simply, your footballing child will develop superior lower half capabilities, but little else:

• Foot-eye coordination
• Linear movement
• Balance and weight transfer
• Stationary ball control
• Teamwork skills
• Learning to follow basic instructions

Let’s now compare this to rugby…

🏉 Rugby: Rugby requires a diverse set of movements throughout and looks at physical elements that football barely touches:

• Hand-eye coordination
• Foot-eye coordination
• Multidirectional movement
• Dynamic ball handling
• Balance and weight transfer
• Reaction time development
• Strategic thinking
• Evasion techniques
• Genuine teamwork skills
• Learning to follow detailed instructions

​These varied movements engage more muscle groups and neural pathways, providing a more comprehensive physical development experience. Put simply, rugby wins hands down when it comes to your child’s core motor skills.

The Emotional & Behaviour Showdown: Rugby vs Football

As we all know though, child development is not just physical, it’s emotional as well as behavioural, and this is where rugby really does come to the fore.

Spend two minutes watching a kids football match and compare this to what you’ll see at a kids rugby match and you really will see how the two sports differ. Without wanting to over exaggerate things - this is the real reason I got into rugby coaching, because the choices YOU make for them at the developmental stage, will directly effect which sports they get into as they get older.

⚽️ Football: Sure - football does have its positives, but boy does it have its negatives too! When I checked out football for my own six year old son a few years back, I can still vividly remember watching children roll around on the floor in ‘agony’ before springing to their feet and carrying on as though nothing happened. I still recall hearing parents berate their children and the referee from the sidelines. I still look back in horror as I observed cheating, swearing, disrespect and poor sportsmanship… at 6!!! Yes, there were moments of teamwork and camaraderie, but these were massively outweighed by the times there wasn’t, and I was blown away at how these characteristics and traits had embedded themselves at such a young age.

🏉 Rugby: Rugby is genuinely different. Rugby doesn't just develop physical skills - it builds character as well as:

• Teamwork
• ​Respect
• Listening skills
• Confidence
• Sharing
• Emotional intelligence

Yes, I hear the cries about rugby not being ‘safe’, but check out one of our classes and you’ll see just how wrong you are. Our non-contact approach to the game changes everything, and at Rugrats Rugby you can expect:

• Soft, safe equipment
• A focus on skill development
• Tag-based interactions
• Supervised, age-appropriate activities
• Confidence building without the physical risk

I would argue that our 2-7yo classes are even safer than comparable age football ones, and how teaching them the fundamentals at this age makes it a safe and healthy activity going forward, but I will address this and go into greater depth in a separate post.

​Expert Perspective - Why Rugby Wins
​As a coach with over 10 years of experience, I've seen countless children transform through rugby. The multi-dimensional skill development sets rugby apart from more linear sports like football.

​Don’t get me wrong, football has its merits, but rugby offers a more holistic approach to early childhood sports development. The variety of movements, emphasis on coordination, and focus on fun make it an ideal choice for toddlers and young children.

The fast paced environment of a Rugrats Rugby class is second to none and the ability to involve all children, regardless of of their age or ability is what we do best.

In short, when it comes to rugby or football - there really is only one winner…

​Ready to See the Difference?
​Book a FREE taster session and discover how rugby can transform your child's development:

• 🏉 Middlesbrough Saturday Classes
• 🏉 Guisborough Sunday Classes

Give your child the rugby advantage - where every session is a step towards confident, coordinated growth!