Motivation boost for the kids of the Rugby Kelten from TSV Krofdorf-Gleiberg: The U12 team will be fighting for dominance over the egg in new jersey sets - a donation from the SWG campaign "Spiel' Dein Spiel".
Krofdorf-Gleiberg. On Mondays and Wednesdays between 6 and 7 pm, things get a little wilder and a little rougher on the club grounds of TSV Krofdorf-Gleiberg. That's when one of the youth teams from the "Rugby Kelten" rugby section trains on the outdoor pitch: the 16 boys and girls from the U12 team. Unlike in football, for example, the players are allowed to use all their physical strength to prevent their opponents from putting the typical rugby egg behind the line at the end of the pitch. In other words, to score a try. "The tackle alone often seems rough and rude to spectators at first. The opponent tries to prevent the ball carrier from moving forward by gripping him below the shoulders with his arms," says Jens Hausner, who founded the rugby department of the traditional club TSV Krofdorf-Gleiberg over ten years ago. But appearances are deceptive. Rugby is played according to very strict rules. Jens Hausner explains: "Respect for the players and the referee is paramount. Playing rugby teaches you to control your aggression - as well as many important values. That's why this traditional British sport is so suitable for children and young people." What else characterises rugby: The team needs big and small players as well as fast or strong players. What's more, it's the whole team that really counts in rugby, not the individual. Jens Hausner explains: "Without the others, the player is basically nothing. Everyone sticks their neck out for each other - and that can sometimes hurt. It also strengthens the sense of community off the rugby field. We develop many long-lasting friendships."
New clothing for team spirit
Promoting young talent, a high level of commitment and community - for Stephanie Orlik, who works in Marketing Services at SWG and is responsible for the "Play your game" campaign, these are important reasons why the jury decided to support the Rugby Celts with a donation. "We are delighted that the U12 kids will be kicking the ball over the line in new kits - consisting of shirts, trousers and socks - at the next tournaments."
The donation is very welcome for the Rugby Celts. After all, rugby is still a fringe sport in Germany. Sponsors, but also the players themselves, are therefore more difficult to find. Jens Hausner explains: "We have had and continue to have lean periods and are constantly looking for players of all ages." The coaches invest a corresponding amount of effort in promoting young talent - to keep the kids on the ball and the squads fit to play. This is because a team consists of 15 players from U16 upwards plus a reserve for substitutions. "Our jerseys with the Celtic mascot strengthen the feeling of togetherness - the kids are very proud and motivated when they play for our club in them," adds Jens Hausner.
The younger, the better
The Rugby Kelten from TSV Krofdorf-Gleiberg currently have six teams with 80 active players who are enthusiastic about the sport: from the minis to four junior teams and the men's team. "We offer rugby for the whole family - whether two or 50 years old, male or female," laughs Jens Hausner.
The 49-year-old, who is now head coach of the men's team, started the department at TSV in 2009 with training for the U8 age group, followed by the men's team a year later. "In rugby in particular, it's important that the kids get involved in the sport as early as possible. If we lay the foundations at a young age, as with the minis, they are ready for their first successes at U10 and U12 level. Our U10s and U12s are now among the top three teams in Hesse," says the rugby fan.
Promoting fringe sports too
"We think it's great how committed TSV Krofdorf-Gleiberg is to supporting even a fringe sport - it's important to keep as many people as possible with different abilities and preferences active. And we are also a little proud that the British favourite sport is even possible at two locations in the Giessen district - in addition to the Rugby Kelten, there is also the Uni-Rugby-Club URC, whose founders also include Jens Hausner," explains Stephanie Orlik.