Touch rugby for kids

Photo: Contributed

A new touch sevens rugby league for kids is set to launch this month in Kelowna.

Touch sevens is the non-contact version of rugby sevens, which is being introduced as a new Olympic sport in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro. The game will be offered to 10-12 year old boys and girls, beginning April 19.

The touch game is a fun, fast, fitness-oriented sport played in various forms all over the world, said Doug Manning, president of the Central Okanagan Rugby Enthusiasts.

"It is important for young athletes to play a variety of sports," said Manning. "It enables players to become more resilient and adaptable athletes in their teen and adult years. Touch sevens complements soccer and other sports by focusing on passing, catching and picking up a ball on the run. It also emphasizes the importance of enterprise and team play for success. These are vital skills for all athletes."

The league will run on Sundays from 10 a.m. to noon. After a week of basic skills assessment, players will compete in a six-week league, ending June 14.  

Players must register before April 17 at Parkinson Recreation Centre.  The cost is $37 for eight weeks of play.