The second Puma Kidz clinic will be held on Saturday January 23. After the massive success of the first one in late November, which was attended by 110 eager children, Puma Kidz is set to explode.

It is an extramural activity held in school hours at the school grounds for preschoolers, and in the afternoons for learners aged seven to 12. Schools are requested to invite Puma Kidz to present the programme. Four clinics are also held annually (one each term) at the B field at Mbombela Stadium. All boys and girls, aged three to 12, are welcome at Puma Kidz.

The programme is run by Hoffmann Maritz (Steval Pumas full back and centre) and Morné Crous (Nelspruit Rugby Club utility back).

“There is limited exposure to and knowledge of rugby in most rural areas in Mpumalanga. We have decided to invest in designing a comprehensive rugby-skills development programme for children aged three to 12, all races, communities and cultures. It is our dream to inspire young children and get them to conquer their fears, guide them to achieve their dreams and teach them the understanding of teamwork,” said Maritz.

Puma Kidz clinics and school-specific sessions are also lots of fun.

If a child signs up they will have free entry to all Steval Pumas home games (mom, dad and older siblings will still have to pay) and go on a tour of Mbombela Stadium. The future stars will also receive a rugby ball, T-shirt and water bottle. At the end of the year a player’s card will be awarded to each child.
At the quarterly clinics Puma Kidz practise in a fun and practical way, develop skills such as hand-eye coordination, handling, passing and kicking.

Maritz and Crous are extremely passionate about the programme and cannot emphasise its benefits enough.

“We motivate children to enjoy training through playing. We use the basic principles of rugby to adopt a healthy lifestyle and build life skills. We safeguard our young players and help them to have fun. We enjoy being part of a team and part of the Pumas rugby family.  “In our modern world with all the challenges that parenting brings, it’s only too easy to sit our kids in front of the TV or gaming console for stimulation. Although this entertainment has its place, nothing can replace good old-fashioned fresh air, exercise, teamwork and fun,” exclaimed Maritz.

To attend the clinic on Saturday the child’s name, age and school must be SMSed to 082-567-0926 or emailed to infopumakidz@gmail.com. The clinic will cost R50 per child, payable on the day. Registration commences at 08:15. The Puma Kidz clinic at Mbombela Stadium starts at 09:00 and finishes at 12:00.

Enquiries: 082-567-0926,
076-300-2928 or infopumakidz@gmail.com.
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