Smiles, fun, confidence, teamwork, and sportsmanship - just a few things a USA Rugby Regional Development Officer(RDO) descried as outcomes from the rugby summer program he is running in his area. His program is just one of many summer programs happening this summer throughout the United States.
"Our Regional Development Officers help to meet kids where they are by partnering with community-based organizations and leveraging local rugby clubs to host youth programs such as Rookie Rugby,' explained Chance Doyle, Rugby Development Manager at USA Rugby.
"Currently there are 5 RDOs located in Boston, Austin, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Los Angeles - all responsible for growing the game where they are and create best practices that we can share nationwide,' Doyle added.
"Rugby provides an alternative to traditional sports and complements every sport. By being open to various age groups and skill levels, puts Rookie Rugby in a unique position to capture every kid to give rugby a try,' said New England RDO, Daryl Jackson.
This summer, Jackson has helped to expose nearly 600 kids to rugby.
"We are offering rugby on multiple fronts, mostly by partnering with various Parks & Rec and youth departments. Needham, a suburb of Boston, is a pay to play model with about 40 kids. Additionally, Foxboro has about 20 and Boston with about 30 kids involved,' Jackson noted.
"In Boston, we also run a "Try' program for city kids trying rugby for the first time. Four hundred kids that are on the free and reduced lunch programs get a free summer camp experience, complete with Flag Rugby' he further explained.
Jackson explained how, through these programs, he is seeing kids grow and become inspired to play.
"Skyler, a summer participant, has come up through the ranks of Rookie Rugby. She now plays tackle on a boys' team because we don't have enough girls to fill out a team - but it doesn't bother her. She's hoping to help create a team at her high school so that she can play for a Massachusetts state championship' said Jackson.
Jackson isn't the only RDO seeing the impact of summer programs. Texas RDO, Steve Swindall, ran three Rookie Rugby programs in partnership with the Andy Roddick Foundation. Each program hosted around 40 kids.
"Learning the greatest game on earth, while making new friends, having a great time and keeping fit are just a few benefits to being involved in these summer programs' noted Swindall.
Like Jackson, Swindall explained how some of the highlights of the summer is watching the youth grow and become more confident in their abilities.
"Watching one of our girls, who is shy, score her first try was a great moment this summer. After all the hard work she had put in throughout the week, she ran past 3 or 4 defenders and put the ball down. She had the biggest smile on her face and even had her own celebration ready,' Swindall shared.
With a few weeks left in summer, there is still time to get your little rugger involved with rugby. To learn more visit usarugby.org/parents/
