In a landmark achievement, USA Youth and High School Rugby has surpassed 50,000 registrations for the year, signifying a 12 % increase from last year. This achievement underscores the sport’s expanding footprint and its increasing popularity among young athletes in the United States.
The rise in registrations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the numerous State Youth Rugby Organizations, its rugby clubs, and the incredible volunteers across the country. Over the past few years, the number of rugby clubs catering to youth and high school players has seen remarkable growth.
This surge in the number of clubs has been backed by funding initiatives that are supporting this infrastructure. Funding is a huge barrier to entry for many and the creation of the USRF/YHS New High School Fund along with the YHS Ignite Club fund has seen 27 new programs supported. These funds have supported new clubs forming in every region of the country and help bring access to players who might have not had that chance to play without the new programs.
A significant contributor to this milestone is the remarkable growth within the "Youth" category, which covers ages 8 to 14 years. This age group has shown the highest growth rate with a 15% increase in YTD, reflecting a burgeoning interest in rugby among younger children. This growth is particularly encouraging as it indicates a strong foundation for the future of the sport in the USA.
Several factors have contributed to the rise in youth registrations. Firstly, the hard work on recruiting and promoting the game by the clubs and State Youth Rugby Organizations (SYRO) has been exemplary. Another contributing factor has been the introduction of flag rugby in schools and after-school programs through Imagine Rugby. This initiative has brought more visibility to the sport and made a connection point for new players to join their school clubs, local clubs and SYRO’s.
The emphasis on a safe playing environment has also reassured parents and guardians about the benefits of enrolling their children in rugby programs. USA Youth and High School Rugby’s commitment to player safety, including training coaches on proper techniques and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship, has been instrumental in this regard.
This achievement of surpassing 50,000 registrations is a reflection of the passion, dedication, and hard work of everyone involved in the rugby community. It signals a bright future for rugby in the United States, with young players leading the charge.
