14 festivals. 14 pilot clubs. One shared goal. The Mini Rugby Project is partnering with clubs across Scotland this season to better understand and develop the mini game through festival environments 🏉 By working alongside coaches, parents and volunteers, we'll explore what great mini rugby experiences look like and how we can continue to support positive, player-centred opportunities for every child taking part. Stay tuned as we follow the journey of our 14 pilot festivals and share the stories, insights and positive experiences emerging throughout the season 📱

“I don’t have to sit still at rugby which is good.” 🏃‍➡️ For Jamie, rugby is a place to move, use energy, have fun and feel calm afterwards. Every child is different. For some, the chance to run, tackle, play and be part of a team can make all the difference 🏉 Find your local club and Turn Up and Play this new season ➡️ tinyurl.com/bdcp3mpk

“Rugby makes me tired. Rugby makes me muddy. Rugby makes me happy.” 🏉 For Archie, rugby is a game full of rules, structure, kit, movement and muddy fun. Every child connects with rugby in their own way - and that is what makes the game special. Find your local club and Turn Up and Play this new season ➡️ tinyurl.com/bdcp3mpk

“It doesn’t matter your size, gender or ability - you can be yourself, get involved and play rugby.” Reuben and Hunter, who both play for Madras Rugby, say they feel welcomed and supported within the club’s environment. For them, rugby is more than just a sport. It gives them a chance to clear their heads, spend time with friends and feel part of a team - particularly important when navigating the challenges that can come with being neurodivergent 🧠

Rugby is not just for one type of child 🏉 It is for children who love to move. Children who need space to use their energy. Children who want to make friends. Children who are still finding their confidence. Children who just want to have fun. This summer, as clubs get ready for the new season, we’re sharing young players’ stories as part of Turn Up and Play. Find your local club and discover a place where your child can move, belong and be themselves ➡️ tinyurl.com/bdcp3mpk

The Mini Rugby Project aims to create a more positive, consistent and enjoyable experience for children across the game 🏉 By listening to clubs, supporting coaches and giving parents clearer guidance, we want to build a shared approach that helps children enjoy rugby, grow in confidence and develop at their own pace. Join a Regional Information Session during the last two weeks of August to hear more, ask questions and help shape what comes next. Register through SCRUMS.

“I wanted to stay involved in the game.” 🏉 For some, match officiating is a way to remain part of rugby after playing. For others, it’s about staying active, building confidence, taking on a new challenge or giving something back to the game they love. There is no single reason to take up the whistle - and no single route into refereeing. What could your reason be? Start your journey at a free Introduction to Match Officiating course. Find your nearest course and book your place now.

Clear expectations help everyone support the game in the same way. The Mini Rugby Project provides clubs with a consistent framework to guide conversations with coaches, parents and volunteers — helping everyone understand what positive, child-centred rugby looks like. By creating shared understanding and practical support, clubs can build confidence, make conversations easier and provide a more consistent experience for young players. Join one of our Mini Rugby Regional Information Sessions during the last two weeks of August to hear more and contribute to the conversation. Registration is available through SCRUMS.

Sometimes good coaching means knowing when to step back. Creating space for children to make decisions, solve problems and learn through the game helps build confidence, independence and enjoyment. The Mini Rugby Project supports coaches in creating positive, child-centred environments where players are free to play, develop and thrive. Join one of our Mini Rugby Regional Information Sessions in the last two weeks of August to learn more and share your experiences. Register via SCRUMS.

The best seat in the house isn’t always in the stand 🏉 After injury brought Callum’s playing days to a stop, a teacher suggested he give refereeing a try. Ten years on, match officiating has kept him close to the game, right in the middle of the action and involved in rugby in a completely different way. For Callum, refereeing offers one of the best views of the game - and a chance to experience every moment up close. Stay in the game. Take up the whistle. Find your nearest free Introduction to Match Officiating course and book your place 🔗 tinyurl.com/yh2h8324

Last chance! Nominations for the Community Recognition Awards close today! Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate the volunteers, coaches, officials and community champions making a difference in our game. Submit your nomination before it's too late: scottishrugby.org/community-…

🌟 Spirit of Rugby Allan Wilson embodies everything that community rugby is about. Whether he’s fixing fences, preparing pitches, serving teas on training nights or making sure there’s always a ball to hand, Allan is at the heart of Irvine Rugby Club - turning up week in, week out to keep things running. His dedication has played a huge role in the club’s resurgence, including a remarkable turnaround leading to a National Bowl win at Silver Saturday 2024 and a growing player base that now supports two men’s teams 👏 A true club cornerstone. 👉 Know someone like Allan? Nominate them for a Community Recognition Award before 31 July ➡️

🌟 Community Match Official of the Season Victoria Lindsay‑McGee is a shining example of what it means to give back to the game. From picking up the whistle to progressing onto the big stage at Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Victoria has embraced refereeing with passion and commitment - helping create a game that is welcoming and inclusive for everyone. One of her most memorable moments? Officiating an U18 girls’ game on her birthday… and being surprised with cake and a rendition of happy birthday 🎂 Her love for rugby even inspired her family - getting her husband involved too, with both sharing their matchday stories every weekend. 👉 Know someone like Victoria? Nominate them for a Community Recognition Award before 31 July ➡️ tinyurl.com/4smkcm28

🌟 Volunteer of the Season (Schools) Ken Richardson’s journey will feel familiar to many - starting as a parent on the sidelines and quickly becoming a driving force behind rugby in his community. From mini coach to coordinator, Ken has played a huge role in growing the game locally - more than doubling S1 participation in the School of Rugby and laying strong foundations for the future of girls’ rugby. His dedication, passion and commitment continue to shape opportunities for the next generation 🙌 👉 Know someone like Ken? Nominate them for a Community Recognition Award today ➡️ tinyurl.com/4smkcm28

📸 The people behind the game. These moments capture just a few of the incredible individuals celebrated through the 2025 Community Recognition Awards -stories of dedication, passion and community. 👉 Who will you nominate this year? Nominations close 31 July. Nominate ➡️ tinyurl.com/4smkcm28

🌟 National Young Person Award Ruiraidh Porteous is proof that age is no barrier when it comes to making a difference. At just 16, he’s already a coach, referee and first aider, volunteering his time to support Bo’ness Rugby Club, local schools and community events. From running training sessions to helping deliver holiday camps, Ruiraidh is at the heart of his club. His passion has even inspired classmates to give rugby a try in a football-dominated town 👏 👉 We all know someone like Ruiraidh. Nominate them for a Community Recognition Award today ➡️ tinyurl.com/4smkcm28

Pro Coach Masterclass This summer, coaches from across the professional game will be delivering a series of Pro Coach Masterclasses. These workshops are designed to help coaches develop key areas of the game and are a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from some of the best coaches in our game. Find all the sessions and sign up on SCRUMS - tinyurl.com/jxtaheu7

Education Courses Aug/Sept🏉 Education courses for August and September are now live! You can find Coaching Essentials, Introduction to Match Officiating and SCRUMCAPS First Aid Level 1 on SCRUMS. Click the link to sign up now - tinyurl.com/2dv7k7vp

Andrew’s giving back to the game he loves 💙 As U15s Head Coach, he’s helping keep young players in rugby today - and in the club for the future. Know someone like Andrew? Share their story 👉 #BehindTheGame