Should I join a club?

Question
I'm fourteen years old and just started playing rugby for my high school this year and I was thinking of joining our local rugby club's U-19 women's team for the summer. I was wondering if this would be a good idea. Most of the other players are about three or four years older than me and have so much more skill and experience. I want to join so I can improve as a player but I'm worried that I won't be able to keep up with all the other girls. One of my coaches told me I had the potential to become a great rugby player some day but I can't help but think that maybe joining a club would be aiming too high too early.

Answer
Hi Mitzi,

First congratulations on getting the kind of praise you got from your coach. Not only is it great to hear you are a recognized talent but it is good to see your coach is giving you some real encouragement.

Next as "filler" read my first response to Tom. Your question is similar to his.

As for joining a club I feel the best thing to do is approach the coach at the club you want to join and tell the coach what you told me. Ask if you could "sit in" on a couple of practices. Feel it out - it shouldn't be a problem.   

Ask the club coach for advice on who would be a good mentor for you.

You are young so there is no rush but it never hurts to get a jump start on things. Like I said it doesn't hurt to join in on a couple of practices and feel out the situation. Just be clear and communicate from the start your goals and that you just want to see if club rugby is a good fit at this stage.

If it feels right then great, you are going to accelerate your rugby career. If not then no worries you had a go and it didn't work out, back to plan "A" and move up to club later on. Either way keep a journal (you should do this for all training and games)to help record your learning.

If playing for the club doesn't feel right or the physicality is too advanced for you right now then pick a mentor and attempt another option: follow the team , attend training, assist the coach, help the club out. While you help others in their rugby you will learn a great deal. Then when it does come time to move up you will be on familiar ground.

Either way have a lot of fun and train hard! Let me know how it goes.