Play Rugby

Play Rugby academy program: our highest impact program, the Play Rugby academy, is built around an innovative curriculum and coaching methodology that combines Rugby and character education, designed to address the unique needs of youth growing up in under-resourced communities; who are at significantly higher risk for obesity and other chronic health issues, are far less likely to have access to an affordable sports program, and often have weak attachment to their school and wider community. Through complementary on and off field activities, youth development and educational supplements, our participants learn skills that extend into their day-to-day lives, become career and/or college ready and are equipped to make positive life choices. Year-over-year 100% of our high school seniors have graduated on-time and enrolled in college or trade school. Our goal is to increase the number of participants in the program, lift up the economic security of their families and ultimately, the community overall. In 2023, the academy served 25 middle school students and 85 high school students,combining Rugby practices and league-based competition with life skills workshops and college readiness support to ensure that players have the resources they need to build a successful future. In order to participate on-field, players must commit to engaging with us off-field in a holistic year-round program. Our program methodology leverages the unique power of Rugby to help participants develop social and emotional learning skills to tackle challenges both on and off the pitch, while encouraging their off-field development. In 2023 100% of players reduced risky behaviors, 90% improved social skills and 90% improved their academic achievement, and 25 high school seniors graduated and enrolled in college.

Through our train-the-trainer programs: we train teachers and coaches to deliver both flag and tackle Rugby programs themselves through a structured training and support system. Through these partnerships, students from across all five boroughs have the opportunity to participate in tournaments throughout the year, run by Play Rugby staff and featuring the Play Rugby values-in-action. In 2023 we supported partners to bring our flag Rugby curriculum to 500 girls and our tackle Rugby curriculum to 125 boys/girls throughout new york city, and we hosted a total of 8 tournaments for these student- athletes.

After-school enrichment programs: through our after-school enrichment programs, we partner with schools and community-based organizations to deliver our unique values-based flag Rugby curriculum to middle and high school students throughout the bronx and harlem. Our certified youth development mentors create vital connections with participants, teaching the sport of Rugby while helping them navigate the challenges they face at school, at home and in the community. Programs run year-round with sessions twice per week for two hours each session. Participants have the opportunity to participate in flag Rugby tournaments throughout the year and our dynamic and engaging tournament. Culture is focused on providing opportunities for growth not only as student-athletes, but also as young people exploring their strengths and comfort zones, competitiveness and physicality. Each tournament is focused on our values- in-action and our culture of celebrating participant success, not just the typical mvp. In 2023 we served 150 young people through four different enrichment partnerships.