COULD the next Chris Hill or Ben Currie be in one of these pictures?

Children are starting to learn rugby league skills earlier these days, and toddlers are having a first taste of the ball-carrying sport at venues across Warrington every weekend.

Rugbytots welcome kids, from ages two to seven, to sessions staged at Birchwood Community High School, Orford Jubilee Park, Great Sankey Leisure Centre and the Maple Lodge Scout and Guide Centre.

While sport is the foundation, the youngsters are learning much more while split into the three age groups; two to three-and-a-half, three-and-a-half to five, and five to seven.

Having been founded in 2006, Rugbytots has grown into a worldwide movement with more than 40,000 children from 16 countries taking part.

Spokesman Dean Kenny said: “This gives toddlers a chance to get involved in the fundamentals of rugby while also teaching them colours, numbers, and shapes.

“More importantly, it teaches them too about interacting with other children through sport.”

Sessions are open to boys and girls and some then move on to develop their sporting prowess elsewhere.

“We act as a feeder for local amateur clubs, in whichever sport. And we have had plenty of girls who go on to dance groups,” Kenny said.

“What we do gives them core skills of life, including working as a team.”

Classes for the youngest children are a chance for parents to bond with their children through the medium of rugby while they learn new skills and meet new friends.

Rugby skills are introduced gently and the foam balls are used so the toddlers can learn to pass, catch and kick with confidence.

For more information about the classes Rugbytots offer across Warrington, email Michele@rugbytots.co.uk or call 0345 313 3255.