Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in partnership with Key Skills Recruitment hosted an open training today at Blake Park for the upcoming new initiative Little Steamers Rugby Programme.

Little Steamers Rugby is a pilot programme for 3 to 4-year-olds will be run across five locations in the Western Bay of Plenty from Saturday March 3 for six weeks.

The programme is structured to promote and educate parents and/or guardians to be active with their children.

The content of the Little Steamers Programme will be facilitated by Bay of Plenty Rugby High Performance players' including a selection of Steamers, Volcanix's and Academy players. During the one hour session, trainers will deliver a fun active session focusing on skills and fun rugby related games.

The programme has been designed to assist the growth and development of a child's cognitive, physical, social and emotional wellbeing.

For parents the programme will provide them the opportunity to engage with their child to develop as a positive role model, learn skills and activity, and be able to motivate their child in an active and positive environment.

Bay of Plenty Rugby Union CEO Mike Rogers highlighted the important role rugby can play in encouraging healthy living.

'We are always looking for ways we can use rugby to support families and be proactive in assisting our community to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

Key Skills Recruitment General Manager Ati Aaifou-Olive highlighted the benefits of Little Steamers Rugby.

'The New Zealand Ministry of Health believes parents should encourage all children to be active from birth. With this programme it is beneficial for both kids and adults.

'The kids will be able to learn to respect their peers, work together as a team and establish social skills while engaging with their parents/caregivers. It is the perfect family activity to be a part of.”

The Little Steamers Programme will start from March 3- April 7 from 8.30am-9.30am at Greerton Marist Park, Tauranga Domain, Blake Park, Gordon Spratt Reserve, and Murray Salt Stadium.

Registration fees are $35 per child (Child must be guided by full parent/caregiver).