SCIENCE BEHIND TINY TACKLERS
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) = Foundation for Life
What science says:
Well-developed FMS have been related to higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, a healthy weight status and improved cognitive, and social development (Lubans et al., 2010; Payne & Isaacs, 2016; Veldman et al., 2019). Early childhood (up to 5 years) is considered a critical period for the child’s development. In this period, the brain and central nervous system grow rapidly as new connections or synapses between cells are formed (Shonkoff & Philips, 2000). This time is also critical for the development of FMS. Children develop rapidly, and the foundation for specialized movements and sports-specific skills is laid by developing infant reflexes, rudimentary motor skills, and FMS (Payne & Isaacs, 2016).
Fundamental Movement Skills (running, jumping, throwing, catching, balancing) are the building blocks of all sport and physical activity.
Children who develop FMS early are:
More active long-term
More confident
Less likely to drop out of sport
Key research:
Motor Development shows ages 2–7 are critical for movement skill acquisition. We start at 18 months with our Tiny Tacklers programme!
Studies (e.g. Sport England) highlight that early physical literacy predicts lifelong activity levels.
Our approach
“Tiny Tacklers develops the movement foundations children need before sport-specific performance even begins.”
Physical Literacy: The Real Goal (Not Just Rugby)
What science says:
Physical literacy = motivation + confidence + competence + knowledge to be active for life
It’s widely recognised as more important than early specialisation.
Backed by:
Key insight:
Kids don’t stay in sport because they’re talented…
They stay because they feel:
Competent
Confident
Included
Successful
Our approach
“We don’t just teach rugby—we build confident, capable movers who love being active.”
Early Years Brain Development (Ages 0–7)
What science says:
90% of brain development happens before age 5
Movement + play = strong neural connections
Coordinated movement improves:
Memory
Attention
Emotional regulation
Supported by:
Key insight:
Movement is not just physical… It’s cognitive development.
Our approach
“Every session is building brains, not just bodies.”
Social & Emotional Development Through Play
What science says:
Structured play improves:
Communication skills
Emotional control
Teamwork
Confidence
Children who play regularly with their parents are less likely to develop anxiety, depression, aggression and sleep problems. Play helps to strengthen the bond between you and your child (UNICEF).
At Tiny Tacklers we believe in the power of family involvement at our sessions.
We call it the ‘Tiny Tacklers Effect’!
Backed by:
Key insights:
Children learn behaviour through experience, not instruction.
Playful moments are essential for your little one’s emotional well-being.
Our approach
“We teach life skills through movement, play, and positive coaching.”
Why Rugby Is the Perfect Vehicle
What makes rugby ideal:
Rugby naturally develops:
Hand-eye coordination (passing, catching)
Agility & evasion (movement games)
Spatial awareness
Decision making
And importantly… It aligns with values-based development:
Respect
Teamwork
Discipline
Resilience
Enjoyment
Supported by:
World Rugby long-term player development principles
Our approach
“Rugby is the tool—we’re developing the child.”
The Rugby Universe’s Science-Backed Statement
Tiny Tacklers: Built on Science, Designed for Children
At The Rugby Universe, our Tiny Tacklers programme is grounded in proven child development science.
We focus on Fundamental Movement Skills and Physical Literacy during the most critical years of development (ages 2–7), when children build the foundation for lifelong confidence, coordination, and activity.
Through fun, engaging rugby-based activities, we develop not only physical skills—but also brain development, social confidence, and emotional resilience.
Our sessions are designed to elevate the bond between child and parent, to help every child feel capable, included, and excited to move—creating a lifelong love of sport and activity.
Research references
Correlates of Fundamental Motor Skills in the Early Years (0–4 Years):
A Systematic Review
Fundamental motor skills (FMS) are considered the “ABCs” of movement and physical activity (Payne & Isaacs, 2016). Well-developed FMS have been related to higher levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness, a healthy weight status and improved cognitive, and social development (Lubans et al., 2010; Payne & Isaacs, 2016; Veldman et al., 2019). Early childhood (up to 5 years) is considered a critical period for the child’s development. In this period, the brain and central nervous system grow rapidly as new connections or synapses between cells are formed (Shonkoff & Philips, 2000). This time is also critical for the development of FMS. Children develop rapidly, and the foundation for specialized movements and sports-specific skills is laid by developing infant reflexes, rudimentary motor skills, and FMS (Payne & Isaacs, 2016). The importance of motor development in early childhood for sports throughout life has also been emphasized by models on motor development (Clark & Metcalf, 2002; Seefeldt, 1980). The cognitive developmental theory by Piaget (1953) also emphasized the importance of movement for increased cognitive development in especially the early years of life (Piaget & Cook, 1952). Cognitive processes are enhanced by actions created by the body, and this is especially apparent in the sensorimotor stage of development (ages 0–2 years).
Veldman, Sanne L.C.;Gubbels, Jessica S.;Singh, Amika S.; ...More
Journal of motor learning and development, 01 Apr 2024, Vol. 12, Issue 1, pages 1 - 47
ISSN: 23253193
Publisher:
Human Kinetics, Inc; Human Kinetics
Language: English
URL:https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/jmld/12/1/article-p1.xml
