Play Rugby USA | New York City

Youth Development—Play Rugby, Inc believes that all children should have access to high quality sports education which provides a vital development opportunity for youth throughout the USA. Specifically, flag (non contact) rugby can help prevent obesity while promoting healthy lifestyles in addition to reducing at risk behavior such as gang membership, violence and criminal activity. Overall, rugby is a great asset to develop core values that help students succeed in their education and in life. Oh, and did we mention it's a TON OF FUN and kids LOVE PLAYING RUGBY!

Despite Play Rugby, Inc's passion for rugby, the organization has recognised the wider issues facing urban youth throughout the USA - the lack of high quality sports education. Childrens' exclusion from sports education including team based activities, professional coaching, competition, fitness and nutrition for example contributes directly to rising obesity rates and at risk behaviour among youth.

As a result, we have created a comprehensive after school experience designed to promote transformational social change through delivery of high quality sports educaiton. Our after school programs now include the Play Rugby USA rugby-themed character development program, our Fun, Fitness and Food - physical fitness and nutrition program and Community Development initiatives including showcases, field trips, tournaments, scrimmages, clubs, and online learning and networking.

History—The first group of Play Rugby USA participants were 75 children from a homeless shelter in Brooklyn. From this initial group, the program has grown into a comprehensive after school curriculum delivered in over 55 schools in NYC and has served over 5700 students. USA Rugby, the National Governing Body for Rugby in America, endorses and supports the Play Rugby USA program as valuable vehicle for developing grassroots interest in the game.

Activities—Play Rugby, Inc runs various Play Rugby USA programs in urban locations, primarily serving students and educators in underserved neighborhoods. All programs are curriculum-based and encompass the following three modules: Teamwork and Leadership Development; Fitness and Healthy Eating; Online Learning. Schools and youth organizations may opt to run any three of these modules which together provided a holistic after school educational experience. Play Rugby, Inc also advocates for youth participation in the sport of rugby and sports education by providing research and development, marketing and evaluation services to assess and promote the benefits of sports education. Each year Play Rugby, inc provides scholarships for individuals to clinics and camps in addition to other free and subsidized programs for qualifying organizations.

Funding - Play Rugby, Inc is funded through school and youth organizations' grant proceeds in addition to receiving donations and grants from individuls, corporations and foundations.

National Sports Leadership Academy - We are in the process of establishing a National Sports Leadership Academy to support the development of local Sports Leadership Academies which will drive transformational social change through delivery of our comprehensive sports education programs. Sports Leadership Academies ("SLA's") wiil be established in collaboration with selected youth organizations. SLA's will provide an unprecedented after school educational experience encompassing all three modules of the Play Rugby USA programs, combined with mandatory academic enrichment activities. The SLA's will incorporate a full time Play Rugby, Inc staff member working on site with the youth organization and Play Rugby, Inc's local Program Director, to run and evaluate the Play Rugby USA programs. Play Rugby, Inc will also provide additional part-time staff to deliver the SLA services. Each student in the SLA will complete at least 180 hours of programming during the year, which may be split over multiple program cycles. Modules will include minimum delivery of:

SLA's will become local community hubs for sports education, providing services to local community schools, youth organizations and parents to create a network around the importance of sports education. SLA's will be established by us raising money through collaborative grant proposals with the targeted youth organizations and receiving donations. Over time each SLA will become self sufficient through program service revenues and local fundraising initiatives. To find out more about partnering with us to establish a SLA at your youth organization, please contact Mark Griffin.

Transformational Social Change - tacking some real life issues in the enclaves of our urban societies:

Tackling Obesity—With a decrease in PE classes and facilities over the last few years and many urban based youth only receiving one PE lesson per week, there are fewer opportunities for youth to get involved in team sports. Rugby offers a unique and dynamic opportunity for youth to try something new and provides a level playing field for children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. In flag rugby all students are required to do everything - run, catch pass and score! Also, being continuous the game rugby a great workout. Students are also given the opportunity to compete after school in teams and at weekend through scrimmages and tournaments. Flag Rugby (a non contact version of the game) offers schools and after school programs the ability to introduce the team based and continuous nature of the game, without the physicality associated with the tackle game. Additionally, Play Rugby, Inc offers a "Fun, Fitness and Food" curriculum which provides a unique approach to physical activities touching on all aspects of fitness, combined with fun, interactive class-based nutritional education to help promote healthy eathing choices.

Reducing At Risk Behaviour & Gang Membership—Research has show there to be a steep increase in gang membership nationwide since the 1970’s. Youth between 11 and 18 at at risk to be recruited into gangs, which provide them with something to do, a sense of belonging, support, and a false sense of security, confidence and respect. Students who suffer disadvantages due to race, religion and poverty with a lack of family support and limited opportunities for alternative activities are at particular risk of joining gangs.

Play Rugby, Inc promotes rugby as a valuable, positive alternative to youth who are looking for something active to do. Professionally coached rugby activities run after school and at weekends not only keep youth off the streets but provide an opportunity for students to develop core values such as cooperation, teamwork, respect and discipline in a fun, dynamic team environment. Through participation in the Play Rugby USA program, students develop self confidence and leadership through making continuous decisions on the field. Rugby is non stop and therefore a very powerful “player centered” sport.