Age Groups Guide

Skill objectives and development priorities for every age group — from first-time Mini Leaguers to players ready for senior football. Use this as a curriculum framework when planning your training sessions.

Under 7s & 8s

Mini League

Fun first, fundamentals second

The priority at this age is simple: make sure they enjoy it and want to come back. Every drill and game should be built around that. Skill learning happens naturally when kids are having fun — don't sacrifice the environment chasing technique.

Skills to introduce

Basic understanding of the rules of the game
Introduction to catching, passing, and carrying technique
Correct play-the-ball technique
Introduction to tackle technique
Basic understanding of defensive line direction

Key development goals

Progress from basic pass/carry to catch/pass running onto the ball
Understanding the roles of dummy half and first receiver
Progression of front-on and side-on tackle technique

Coaching emphasis: Winning games is irrelevant at this age. A coach's job is to create a positive environment and make sure every player leaves training wanting to come back.

Under 9s & 10s

Mid League

Building the foundation

Players at this age are ready to start connecting individual skills into simple team concepts. Begin introducing support play and the idea of going forward — but keep the emphasis firmly on skill development and enjoyment. Winning still doesn't matter.

Skills to introduce

Thorough knowledge of Mid League rules
Continued progression of the basic skills from Mini League
Basic understanding of player positions
Introduction to basic kicking technique
Basic introduction of defensive roles (markers)
Scrummage technique where applicable

Key development goals

Introduction to go-forward and what it means in attack
Introduction to support players and their role
Progression of kicking technique
Progression of defensive roles
Basic introduction of draw and pass — 2v1

Coaching emphasis: Players need to be ready to progress to Mod League. Focus on skill development and making sure every player is engaged. Winning is of no importance.

Under 11s & 12s

Mod League

Connecting skills to game situations

Mod League is where players start to see how individual skills join together in a game. Draw and pass, go-forward, support play — these concepts can now be practised in small-sided game environments that mimic real match situations.

Skills to introduce

Thorough understanding of Mod League rules
Continued progression of catch, pass, and carry
Progression of draw and pass — 2v1
Progression of go-forward and support play
Continued progression of defensive roles
Introduction to kick and chase
Progression of scrummage technique

Key development goals

Introduction of skill games showing the importance of fitness
Progression of draw and pass — 2v1 and 3v2
Introduction to line running
Progression of tackle technique
Introduction of backline formation

Coaching emphasis: Focus on enjoyment while fully preparing players for International Rules. Small-sided games are your best tool — they replicate match scenarios and keep training competitive and fun.

Under 13s & 14s

International Rules

Structure and decision-making

This is the transition into the full game. Players need to start understanding team structure, defensive systems, and decision-making under pressure. Skill refinement continues — but now those skills are tested inside game-realistic scenarios.

Skills to introduce

Introduction to ruck plays
Progression of backline formation
Continued progression of draw and pass — 3v2 and 3v3
Continued progression of line running and support play
Introduction of footwork and evasion skills
Introduction of defensive left/right/ruck units
Introduction of double marker defence
Continued scrummage technique

Key development goals

Introduce the importance of slowing the play-the-ball in defence
Introduce the importance of quick play-the-ball in attack
Introduction to body weight exercises — technique only
Progression on the importance of fitness
Introduction to nutrition and its role in performance

Coaching emphasis: Fine-tune the basics while introducing game structure. Sportsmanship must be shown at all times — this age group sets habits that carry through to senior football.

Under 15s & 16s

International Rules

Game plans and leadership

Players at this level are ready for game plans and more complex team structures. Short-side plays, kicking tactics, and defensive systems can all be introduced. Importantly, this is also the age to start developing players as people — leadership, goal-setting, and values.

Skills to introduce

Continued progression on the importance of fitness
Progression of nutrition knowledge
Progression of formation and ruck plays
Introduction to short-side plays
Progression of play-the-ball speed in attack
Progression of slowing the play-the-ball in defence
Fine-tuning of catch/pass and draw/pass
Fine-tuning defensive roles — kick chase, trail, slide
Introduction to weight training — technique only
Introduction to the value of extra training
Introduction to game plans

Key development goals

Introduction of leadership roles within the team
Introduction of goal setting for individuals and the team
Introduction to life values and the importance of teamwork

Coaching emphasis: Sportsmanship and fine-tuning the major skill areas. Start developing leaders within your squad — this is the age where team culture is formed.

Under 18s

International Rules

Preparing for senior football

The focus shifts to preparing players for the step up to senior football. Game plans become more sophisticated, fitness expectations rise, and the mental side of the game — motivation, resilience, and values — becomes a primary coaching responsibility.

Skills to introduce

Progression of extra training expectations
Progression of game plans and team structures
Continued progression of nutrition
Continued progression of winning the ruck area and play-the-ball speed
Continued progression of running to space, not to players, and running angles

Key development goals

Continued emphasis on life and team values
Focus on being a better person as well as a better player

Coaching emphasis: Prepare players for senior football while keeping them motivated. The best coaches at this level develop the whole person — players who leave your program ready for the next level, in rugby league and in life.

Building a session for your age group?

Browse the drill library or ask the AI coaching assistant to suggest age-appropriate drills and session structures.