When things get really tough in rugby, our players put their elbows out and go through it as a team. That's exactly the motto of our U14s - but only in the metaphorical sense! Of course we don't want to promote an aggressive elbowing society here. The point is, though, that we want to bring home to the youngsters that it pays to really put your back into it. Good honest performance brings peer respect and recognition - something that children and young people of this age in particular need.

In terms of their physical makeup, the final foundations are now being laid for when they become adults. The amount of fat cells and the generally available muscle mass, determining how difficult or easy it will be for your child to achieve and maintain a healthy physique in the future - these are physiological processes which begin in childhood and tail off at this age. There are great benefits to be gained by involving themselves in the type of sporting activity which provides a real full-body workout, such as rugby offers your child.

The added bonus is, regular rugby training provides your growing child the perfect outlet to let off steam during this confused and moody time. The worries and anger of everyday life can be transformed into positive energy and your child will come home in a much better frame of mind. Anyone who has ever been parent to a teen will certainly appreciate this.