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FIRST EVER MAYOR'S CUP RUGBY TOURNAMENT A HUGE HIT!
NEW YORK - Tuesday, June 10, 2008
On Saturday June 7th, Play Rugby USA hosted the first ever Mayor's Cup Rugby Tournament for 23 elementary and middle school teams from all over NYC.
in the elementary school bracket Epiphany School and Pelham Youth Rugby competed in a closely contested elementary school final, during which Pelham came away close winners, 35-30.
For the middle schools, PS218, PS392 A & B teams and PS 279 demonstrated some outstanding rugby skills making the semi-finals. PS392 A and B teams won the semi finals by one try each leaving 392 A to snatch a close win over 392 B 25-20.
The win for PS392 was the first ever team competition for the school and was rewarded by the principal by presenting the Mayor's Cup to all A & B team participants in front of the school assembly on Monday June 9th. We have heard reports that the students wore their medals all day - even on the subway.
We would like to thank all the volunteers, sponsors, our strategic partners, teachers and importantly students in attendance for making this event such a success.
To view photo and video highlights from the event visit the Play Rugby Club. To view and download all tournament photos, click here. We would particularly like to thank Marc Alldrige for the excellent photos and Katha and Don Cato who will be supplying the video footage.
USA Rugby Announces Select XV Squad for England Counties Match
Thursday, May 22, 2008
BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby officially announced today the Select XV squad set to compete in two matches against the England Counties XV on Friday, June 6 and Monday, June 9, at Columbia University’s Baker Field Athletic Complex.
The developmental squad includes 16 players from the Rugby Super League, the premier level of rugby competition in the U.S., as well as a handful of Division I Senior Men’s Club and Collegiate Club players who impressed selectors during the spring season. This addition to the men’s schedule provides a prime opportunity for the USA team to develop an expanded player pool leading up to the summer competition season.
“Increasing the size of the Elite Player pool from which the Eagles will be selected makes competition for places more intense and develops a healthy rivalry within the squad,” USA Rugby CEO and President of Rugby Operations Nigel Melville said. “It’s important that all of our elite players have an opportunity to play against elite opposition from other countries and the visit of the England Counties will ensure a larger group of athletes are challenged to play in June.”
The Select XV will be led by head coach Mike Tolkin, along with assistant coaches Ron Laszewski (forwards) and Chris Osentowski (scrum) and Lex Maccubbin as the manager.
Cal Berkeley’s Gary Golding was initially chosen for the Select XV squad, but following a strong showing at the College Club Playoffs, he will now join the recently named Barclays Churchill Cup team for its June competitions.
Both matches between the Select XV and the England Counties XV, the representative flagship of the County and Community game outside the Guinness Premiership, are slated for 7 p.m. (EDT) kickoffs. Coverage of the match-up will be delivered LIVE online via the USA Rugby Network.
Admission to the matches on June 6 and 9 is free, but donations will be accepted to support Play Rugby Inc.’s youth development program in NYC. In the week leading up to the USA matches, from May 31 – June 7, Play Rugby USA will host National Rugby Week, featuring free non-contact rugby activities and competitions in nearly 50 schools throughout New York City.
Rugby Week will culminate in the inaugural Mayor’s Cup, also at Baker Field Athletic Complex on June 7, where more than 24 teams from around the New York City area will compete from 12-4 p.m. For more information on Play Rugby USA, visit www.playrugbyusa.com.
For more information on the USA Rugby Select XV’s matches, visit www.usarugby.org. Media interested in attending the event should contact USA Rugby Communications Coordinator Ashley Voss at avoss@usarugby.org.
Players selected for the Select XV squad include:
Forwards
Mark Kernan (Belmont Shore)
Chris Moreno (Denver Barbarians)
Phillip Thiel (Life University)
Mike Bunce (Pearl City)
Will Vavoa (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Will Johnson (Olympic Club)
Samuela Manoa (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Brian Doyle (NYAC)
Jared Wolfgramm (Belmont Shore)
Rikus Pretorius (Cal)
Pat Quinn (Denver Barbarians)
Dan Laprovette (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Peter Dahl (Belmont Shore)
Justin Stencel (Charlotte)
Backs
Tim Usasz (Nottingham)
Chris Mayo (NYAC)
Maximo DeAchaval (University of Colorado)
Scott Peterson (Chicago Lions)
Ata Malifa (Belmont Shore)
Nathan Rodgers (Life University)
Justin Boyd (Dallas)
James Gillenwater (Belmont Shore)
Jone Naqica (San Francisco Golden Gate)
Mike Graham (Glendale)
Justin Hundley (NYAC)
Mayor’s Cup Rugby Festival
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Play Rugby USA hosts NYC’s first ever Mayor’s Cup for Rugby.
Play Rugby USA after-school rugby program has been given the nod of approval by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has gifted a Mayor’s Cup to be contested at Columbia University’s Baker Field during national rugby week, on Saturday 7 June.
The Mayor’s Cup will provide 24 teams of young budding rugby players with their first taste of competition against the other participating schools and offers education leaders, politicians and fitness professionals a chance to witness the positive impact that rugby has had on the students and participate first hand in this growing sport.
International Rugby Match in NYC!
Friday, June 6, 2008
On Friday June 6th, evening under floodlights, the USA National A Team will compete against England Counties XV at Columbia University’s Baker Field. The event will be the first international rugby match in Manhattan for many years and will feature elite level developing players from the USA and England’s top amateur players. The event will be taking place as part of America’s first ever National Rugby Week (May 30 – June 7) which will encompass a number of high profile and community level rugby events nationwide. New York City’s Rugby Week running the same week is detailed below.
First Ever: NYC Rugby Week
Friday, May 30–Saturday, June 7
This will be New York City’s first ever Rugby Week as part of America’s first ever National Rugby Week. Play Rugby, Inc’s employees coaching consultants and volunteers from the local rugby community will run multiple “Try Rugby” sessions throughout the city to thousands of public school students city-wide using fun games and competitions from the Play Rugby USA program. To request a free “Try Rugby” session in NYC please email christian.mayo@playrugbyusa.com.
The week’s activities will be made available online for free through a condensed curriculum to rugby clubs, schools and youth organizations nation-wide with the weeks events being coordinated through the Play Rugby Club online . Check back here for updates. The Play Rugby Club online will offer all participants, coaches, volunteers and parents the opportunity to learn more about rugby and upload their results, video footage and photos to showcase their skills! New York Rugby Week will culminate with the Mayor’s Cup Rugby Festival on Saturday June 7th at Columbia University’s Baker Field.
Champs culminating tournament
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Each participating CHAMPS programme site gets 10 hours of mentoring from an experienced Play Rugby coach, to get the students ready to represent their school in a 7 a side flag rugby tournament. 2 Tournaments will take place this season, one for the Bronx and Manhattan schools and one for the Brooklyn and Queens Schools. For many students this will be their first chance to compete against other schools and showcase their new skills in front of a crowd. They will take place on the weekends of the 9th and 16th of March.
New Year - New Schools
Monday, February 11, 2008
The winter season is under way. New schools, students and educators far across the New York area are experiencing the fun and fitness from playing flag rugby, with 34 schools and over 700 students now regularly participating in flag rugby every week including 19 schools in the C.H.A.M.P.S programme. CHAMPS is a NYC Department of Education programme “to offer additional opportunities for students, regardless of athletic ability, to engage in a wide variety of physical activities, and to encourage these students to find activities that they enjoy and can participate in for life.”
More details on CHAMPS
How can your school can participate?
Play Rugby executive recognized as youth sports leader in national awards program
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Mark Griffin, founder/president of Play Rugby, has pioneered a completely new and unique youth sports education program using a non-contact "flag" version of rugby as an effective tool for boys and girls in urban area schools and after-school programs across America.
It is for this reason, Mark Griffin is being honored by the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) as the recipient of the 2007 Hershey's STRIVE National Administrator of the Year Award.
STRIVE stands for Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence and the award honors adult leaders for their "heartfelt passion, enthusiastic commitment and contagious spirit to help kids succeed in youth sports activities." This year, NCYS will present Hershey's STRIVE Awards to a national administrator, a volunteer, a coach, and two local administrators. Honorees were nominated by team members, parents or colleagues and judged by a panel of NCYS officials.
Play Rugby was first piloted in New York City. More than 3,000 youth players and more than 400 teachers from close to 40 after school programs were trained and played in the program's first 18 months. Griffin now drives the program's growth and is developing non-contact rugby in schools and after school programs throughout the United States.
Play Rugby encourages kids to have fun, improve their fitness and learn a new game while developing 10 core values. Those values include: caring, citizenship, commitment, discipline, fairness, leadership, respect, responsibility, teamwork, and trustworthiness. USA Rugby, the governing body for the sport in the U.S., shares the same youth development goals with Play Rugby proving fun and educational rugby programs will make rugby the "best experience in American sport." USA Rugby is encouraging its State-based Youth Rugby Organizations (SBOs) to incorporate Play Rugby programs into their development plans.
Griffin brings more than 23 years of experience as passionate and motivational rugby player, coach businessman and administrator to his role at Play Rugby. He works tirelessly with young people to strengthen character, encourage academic commitment and build a diverse range of social, moral and physical competencies needed to succeed in life. Griffin's leadership, passion and extensive rugby experience makes him the perfect role model in promoting Play Rugby's philosophy of "developing youth through rugby'.
Sally S. Johnson, NCYS Executive Director, noted that the lack of recognition given to outstanding adult leaders involved in youth sports prompted NCYS to create the STRIVE awards four years ago. "Honoring America's hometown heroes on a national scale gives them the praise they deserve," Johnson said. "It is awe-inspiring to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals who devote countless hours each week, all while juggling full-time careers, families, and other commitments."
Griffin will be honored on Saturday, December 1st at a USA Rugby conference in San Diego, California. The STRIVE event presentation is hosted by the NCYS and The Hershey Company. During the celebration, Griffin will receive a check for $2,500 which he has announced will be donated to Play Rugby, Inc. to support free rugby programming for a qualifying school in 2008.
Other STRIVE Award winners include:
In addition to National Administrator of the Year, the other STRIVE Award winners for Volunteer, Local Administrator(s), and Coach of the Year include:
Hatti Hartman of Austin, Texas was chosen as the Hershey's STRIVE Volunteer of the Year. Hartman was recognized for her contagious spirit of enthusiasm, her unparalleled ability to organize and communicate, and her unquestionable integrity. The Oak Hill Youth Sports Association community agrees, "It would take ten people to wear all the various hats that Hatti Hartman wears each and every day." She is a motivator, a doer, and the one who "pinch hits" whenever and wherever the need arises. 'Hart'man is the humble heart of the volunteer-run sports league.
George Waldbauer of the Suffolk County New York Police Athletic League (PAL) will also be honored as the Hershey's STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator of the Year. PAL aspires to make a youngster's first experience with the police officer a positive one by keeping at-risk kids off the streets and out of trouble in supervised athletic activities. Waldbauer has been Executive Director of PAL for 26 years. The program has grown and now serves over 29,000 boys and girls many of whom would have no sports in their lives without PAL. He led the extraordinary effort to build a state of the art multi-sports complex for players and families to enjoy. His supporters say, "For George, it's all about the kids and his community."
Amy Skeen of Chicago, Illinois will also be honored as one of the Hershey's STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator's of the Year. Skeen serves as Executive Director of Girls in the Game, a program that incorporates both multi-sport and quality fitness opportunities with comprehensive health and nutrition education. Girls in the Game is committed to enabling girls to try a variety of new sports and develop healthy habits in a safe and supportive environment. Skeen leads by example mentoring staff and coaches who provide individual attention and serve as positive role models while improving the health and overall well-being of girls.
Ron Komornik of Virginia Beach, Virginia was chosen as the recipient of the Hershey's STRIVE Coach of the Year Award. Komornik coaches baseball and basketball to youth ages 7-17. Komornik's nominators said his focus on respect, discipline and perseverance, as well as basic sports skills, has improved young players' self-esteem. His testimonials are a tribute to the positive difference one can make in the life of a child. "He treats every player as amazing individuals while leading each one to great achievements as a unified team.
Calling All Supporters - Play Rugby USA™ Coaches to Compete with the Best in Premier Division of NY 7’s
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Play Rugby USA, the unique youth development program (the “Program”) focused around the sport of non contact rugby today announced it’s coaches will be showcasing their skills at the New York 7’s, taking place this Saturday, November 24th at Randall’s Island, NY.
Seven of Play Rugby’s coaches will be representing the Program this weekend and they aim to exhibit the same teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect that they promote to their students after school. The remainder of the squad will has been filled with invitational players from local clubs.
The game of 7-a-side rugby that is played at the tournament is very similar to the game of flag and non contact rugby that is coached by Play Rugby on local basketball courts and playgrounds. As Christian Mayo, Play Rugby’s Director of Programs explains:
- “We’ll basically be playing the same game as we coach to the kids with the same number of players on each team, less contact than regular rugby (although more than flag) and the opportunity for everyone on the team to run, catch, pass, tackle and score”.
Although originally Play Rugby USA entered their team purely as a fun team-building exercise for its coaches, it could represent much more than that. Mark Griffin, Founder of the Program is excited about the weekend ahead:
- “It’s a unique opportunity to get to play the sport your passionate about with your work colleagues, unless of course you’re a professional rugby player! We spend our professional time coaching rather than playing, facilitating the development of kids’ character, athletic ability and academic commitment. Ultimately, we want achieve something similar for ourselves this weekend by putting in good performances to represent what Play Rugby USA and the underlying game are all about. If we can come away with some silverware, well that’s all the better!”
Play Rugby USA are of course hoping for some local support as they take on the best International teams in the tournament. For those interested in supporting Play Rugby USA at the tournament, they will have a tent set up on the premier field just adjacent to Ichan stadium.
The squad selected to represent Play Rugby USA includes:
Mike Di Bona (PRUSA/Old Blue NY), Justin Goonan (PRUSA/Old Blue NY), Mark Griffin (PRUSA/Old Blue NY), Dominic Mara (NYAC), Christian Mayo (PRUSA/NYAC), Ross McClelland (PRUSA/Old Blue) Matt Pritchard (Old Blue NY), Doug Rowe (PRUSA/Old Blue NY), Dominic Wareing (PRUSA/Old Blue NY), Marcus Respes (Philadelphia Whitemarsh), Ben Sadgrove (Old Blue NY), Dan Taylor (PRUSA/Wheaton College)
For more information about Play Rugby USA, visit www.playrugbyusa.com.
Play Rugby USA
Play Rugby, Inc (Play Rugby) is a non-profit organization providing a fun, unique and inspirational educational experience through the innovative coaching of rugby. Play Rugby’s programs provide children with a fun athletic and developmental experience giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. Play Rugby lives by its philosophy of ‘developing youth through rugby’.
Play Rugby USA™ teams up with US Peace Corps and St. Vincent Rugby Union
Monday, October 22, 2007
NEW YORK, NY. – Play Rugby USA™ (Play Rugby), in conjunction with the US Peace Corps, is proud to announce a unique partnership with the St. Vincent Rugby Union. The tiny, developing island, located in the Eastern Caribbean, will soon be introduced to Play Rugby’s fun, game based youth development curriculum, in the form of co-ed, non-contact flag rugby.
Based on the success one of the Peace Corps volunteers had applying the Play Rugby curriculum to his village youth clinic a few months ago, he figured the same model Play Rugby has implemented in nearly 40 New York inner city schools over the last 12 months, could be applied to the schools of St. Vincent. And though the game itself is still in its infancy on the island, there still exists a national rugby team with several experienced players. It’s these particular players with whom the Peace Corps and Play Rugby have partnered, who will be trained and mentored as youth development coaches to deliver a sustainable program (the goal of each serving Peace Corps volunteer) that will ultimately see schools form teams and compete in a flag rugby league, the first of its kind in the region.
Why rugby, and why on St. Vincent? Rugby remains affordable and accessible to children from all backgrounds and abilities. In flag rugby, all players are given the opportunity to run, catch, pass, tag, evade and score. This makes it a great sport for boys and girls of all ages, sizes and abilities. In addition, much of rugby’s value comes from its rich history, traditions, camaraderie and community involvement with the sport. The game also promotes life skills such as, teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect, and it’s these values the new Vincentians coaches hope to instill in a youth culture often lacking positive role models and plagued by early drug use.
The initial pilot program, which coincides with the 2007 Rugby World Cup (which captivates an audience of roughly 3.6 billion people), will include 4 schools, 6 coaches, and approximately 80 students, and will run for 10 weeks, culminating with a flag rugby tournament.
Play Rugby, Inc was founded by National Team member Mark Griffin in 2003. It is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization whose philosophy is to ‘develop youth through rugby’. For more information regarding the company and its youth development programs, visit www.playrugbyusa.com.
HEADLINE NEWS
STRIVE: Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence
The National Council of Youth Sports is proud to announce the winners of the 2007 Hershey's STRIVE Award! We are inspired by the number of nominations and humbled by the quality of so many dedicated mentors to our young people. How privileged we ALL are to be a part of this incredibly diverse and uniquely united youth-serving industry. Thank you to The Hershey Company for its sponsorship of STRIVE and dedication to helping youth “Dream, Reach and Succeed.”
Send your Congratulations and Best Wishes to:
National Administrator of the Year
Mark Griffin
Play Rugby, Inc.
New York City, New York (event location San Diego, California)
mark.griffin@playrugbyusa.com
Local Administrator of the Year
Amy Skeen
Girls in the Game
Chicago, Illinois
amy@girlsinthegame.org
Local Administrator of the Year
George Waldbauer
Suffolk County Police Athletic League (PAL)
palgeorgie@aol.com
Volunteer of the Year
Hatti Hartman
Oak Hill Youth Sports Association
hartman4@austin.rr.com
Coach of the Year
Ron Komornik
Kempsville Pony Club, Inc.;
KHS Home Run Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
ron.komornik@beachem.com
National Spotlight Shines on Hometown Heroes
Dedication, passion and commitment determine America’s best youth sports leaders
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
STUART, Fla., September 18, 2007 – The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) selected five adult leaders involved in youth sports organizations as recipients of its 4th annual Hershey’s STRIVE Award. STRIVE stands for Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence.
NCYS is a national youth sports advocacy organization. Its membership represents more than 52 million boys and girls involved in youth sports activities nationwide.
This year, NCYS will present Hershey’s STRIVE Awards to one national administrator, two local administrators, one volunteer and one coach. Honorees were nominated by team members, parents or colleagues and judged by a panel of NCYS officials.
The honorees include Ron Komornik of Virginia Beach, Va., who is the recipient of the Hershey’s STRIVE Coach of the Year Award. Komornik coaches baseball and basketball to youth ages 7-17. Komornik’s nominators said his focus on respect, discipline and perseverance, as well as basic sports skills, has improved young players’ self-esteem. “He treats every player as amazing individuals while leading each one to great achievements as a unified team.”
Mark Griffin, founder/president of Play Rugby, based in New York City, is the Hershey’s STRIVE National Administrator of the Year. Griffin has pioneered a completely new and unique youth sports education program using a non-contact “flag” version of rugby as an effective education tool for boys and girls in urban area schools and after-school programs across America. Griffin brings more than 23 years of experience as a passionate player, coach and administrator to his position at Play Rugby. Play Rugby encourages kids to have fun, improve their fitness and learn a new game while developing 10 core values including teamwork, leadership, discipline, respect, and responsibility.
Sally S. Johnson, NCYS Executive Director, noted that the lack of recognition given to outstanding adult leaders involved in youth sports prompted NCYS to create the STRIVE awards four years ago. “Honoring America’s hometown heroes on a national scale gives them the praise they deserve,” Johnson said. “It is awe-inspiring to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals who devote countless hours each week, all while juggling full-time careers, families, and other commitments.”
Other STRIVE Award winners include:
Amy Skeen of Chicago, Ill. will be honored as one of the Hershey’s STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator’s of the Year. Skeen serves as Executive Director of Girls in the Game, a program that incorporates both multi-sport and quality fitness opportunities with comprehensive health and nutrition education. Girls in the Game is committed to enabling girls to try a variety of new sports and develop healthy habits in a safe and supportive environment. Skeen leads by example mentoring staff and coaches who provide individual attention and serve as positive role models while improving the health and overall well-being of girls.
George Waldbauer of the Suffolk County New York Police Athletic League (PAL) will also be honored as the Hershey’s STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator of the Year. PAL aspires to make a youngster’s first experience with the police officer a positive one by keeping at-risk kids off the streets and out of trouble in supervised athletic activities. Waldbauer has been Executive Director of PAL for 26 years. The program has grown and now serves more than 29,000 boys and girls. He led an extraordinary effort to build a state of the art multi-sports complex for players and families in Suffolk County. His supporters say, “For George, it’s all about the kids and his community.”
Hatti Hartman of Austin, Texas was chosen as the Hershey’s STRIVE Volunteer of the Year. Hartman was recognized for her contagious spirit of enthusiasm, her unparalleled ability to organize and communicate, and her unquestionable integrity. The Oak Hill Youth Sports Association community agrees, “It would take ten people to wear all the various hats that Hatti Hartman wears each and every day.” She is a motivator, a doer, and the one who “pinch hits” whenever and wherever the need arises.
Winners will receive a check for $2,500, payable to the youth sports organization of his or her choice. Ceremonies for each will be held in their communities or at their organization’s national event.
ABOUT The NCYS
The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) comprises the who's who in the youth sports industry. Its membership represents more than 180 organizations/corporations serving 52 million boys and girls participating in organized youth sports throughout the United States. NCYS members include organizations such as: Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, U.S. Youth Soccer Association, United States Olympic Committee, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. To learn more about the NCYS visit www.ncys.org.
ABOUT The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company has long offered successful fundraising programs for youth in America. Its sponsorship of the STRIVE Awards stems from The Hershey Company’s devotion to helping children of all ages to “Dream, Reach and Succeed” in everything that they do. For more information about The Hershey Company and its fundraising programs, visit www.hersheysfundraising.com.
CONTACT
Sally S. Johnson, Executive Director
National Council of Youth Sports
772-781-1452
youthsports@ncys.org
Play Rugby USA announced its summer camp series for 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Play Rugby USA is excited to announce its summer camp series for 2007 and it is proving to be a busy summer! Play Rugby will continue to work with a number of public schools, introducing rugby to their summer camps throughout July and August. It is likely that over 10 schools will benefit from Play Rugby’s expertise bring rugby to over 1000 students. Play Rugby maintains its relationship with the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, and organization that administers a number of summer activities and will also continue to work with a number of existing program partners.
Play Rugby is also providing up to 20 students full scholarships to attend a Fresh Air Rugby Camp, in the green mountains of Norwich Vermont. The scholarships will be awarded to students in Play Rugby’s public school programs that have exhibited positive rugby values such as teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect, in addition to showing good sportsmanship throughout their seasons.
A little closer to New York City, Play Rugby is planning to run a week long day camp (9am – 1pm) in Pelham Bay Park during the week of July 23 – 27. This is open to any boys and girls aged between 8 and 14. Additionally, Play Rugby is offering a 3 day camp (9am – 3.30pm) for the same age-group in Manhattan, August 7 – 9. The latter camps will take place on the fantastic rooftop field at Pier 40. Both camps will offer players in and around the New York area an opportunity to play numerous fun rugby-themed games, develop basic rugby skills and compete for fun in World Cup-themed teams. Play Rugby will base all of its coaching on it’s 2 curriculum – “Give Rugby a Try” and “Team Rugby”.
Speaking about the camps, Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby stated: “it’s going to be a busy summer for us and we’re really looking forward to it. Not only can we continue to grow our good momentum throughout New York’s public schools but for the first time we will be offering fee-based camps in New York City that will help build some momentum with young players here while supporting our program. Needless to say, applications for coaching jobs are open!”
For anyone interested in learning more about Play Rugby’s camp offering, they should visit: http://playrugbyusa.com/programs/camps.html or call Mark Griffin directly on 212 851 8858.
Play Rugby USA Founder Named 2007 Hershey’s STRIVE National Administrator of the Year
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
BOULDER, Colo. – USA Rugby is excited to announce Mark Griffin has been named the 2007 Hershey’s STRIVE National Administrator of the Year by the National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS). Griffin is a member of USA Rugby’s Game Development team as well as the founder/president of Play Rugby USA, an innovative youth sports education program.
USA Rugby Game Development Officer Katie Wurst nominated Griffin for the award and is pleased that he has been honored by a nationally recognized youth sport organization.
“Mark has played a major role in developing youth and high school initiatives within USA Rugby,” Wurst said. “His work with Play Rugby USA has created new opportunities for rugby to be introduced into schools and community-based organizations. Recognition of Mark’s work by the NCYS will help many others to view rugby as a viable option in youth sports.”
As part of USA Rugby’s Game Development team, Griffin has been instrumental in the creation of the Youth Rules Continuum and the development of the USA Rugby physical education curriculum. He is also supporting USA Rugby’s state-based organizations in the improvement of youth programs as part of the State-Based Development Model (SBDM).
Additionally, Griffin’s organization Play Rugby USA encourages kids across the country to boost their fitness and learn the skills of rugby while developing a set of core values including teamwork and leadership. The organization has partnered with USA Rugby on a number of initiatives, including the World Rugby Shop Youth Rally held during the Rugby World Cup send-off weekend in Chicago.
Griffin is one of five adult leaders selected by the NCYS as a recipient of the 4th annual Hershey’s STRIVE (Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence) Award. The NCYS is an advocacy organization with a membership of more than 52 million boys and girls involved in youth sports nationwide.
STRIVE Awards will also be given to two local administrators, one volunteer and one coach serving a variety of different sports. Award honorees were nominated by team members, parents or colleagues and judged by a panel of officials.
The award will be presented to Griffin at the 2007 Youth Conference on the Game in San Diego, Calif., December 1-2. He will receive a check for $2,500, payable to the youth sports organization of his choice.
For more information, please contact USA Rugby Game Development Officer Katie Wurst at kwurst@usarugby.org.
HEADLINE NEWS
STRIVE: Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence
The National Council of Youth Sports is proud to announce the winners of the 2007 Hershey's STRIVE Award! We are inspired by the number of nominations and humbled by the quality of so many dedicated mentors to our young people. How privileged we ALL are to be a part of this incredibly diverse and uniquely united youth-serving industry. Thank you to The Hershey Company for its sponsorship of STRIVE and dedication to helping youth “Dream, Reach and Succeed.”
Send your Congratulations and Best Wishes to:
National Administrator of the Year
Mark Griffin
Play Rugby, Inc.
New York City, New York (event location San Diego, California)
mark.griffin@playrugbyusa.com
Local Administrator of the Year
Amy Skeen
Girls in the Game
Chicago, Illinois
amy@girlsinthegame.org
Local Administrator of the Year
George Waldbauer
Suffolk County Police Athletic League (PAL)
palgeorgie@aol.com
Volunteer of the Year
Hatti Hartman
Oak Hill Youth Sports Association
hartman4@austin.rr.com
Coach of the Year
Ron Komornik
Kempsville Pony Club, Inc.;
KHS Home Run Club
Virginia Beach, Virginia
ron.komornik@beachem.com
National Spotlight Shines on Hometown Heroes
Dedication, passion and commitment determine America’s best youth sports leaders
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
STUART, Fla., September 18, 2007 – The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) selected five adult leaders involved in youth sports organizations as recipients of its 4th annual Hershey’s STRIVE Award. STRIVE stands for Sports Teach Respect, Initiative, Values and Excellence.
NCYS is a national youth sports advocacy organization. Its membership represents more than 52 million boys and girls involved in youth sports activities nationwide.
This year, NCYS will present Hershey’s STRIVE Awards to one national administrator, two local administrators, one volunteer and one coach. Honorees were nominated by team members, parents or colleagues and judged by a panel of NCYS officials.
The honorees include Ron Komornik of Virginia Beach, Va., who is the recipient of the Hershey’s STRIVE Coach of the Year Award. Komornik coaches baseball and basketball to youth ages 7-17. Komornik’s nominators said his focus on respect, discipline and perseverance, as well as basic sports skills, has improved young players’ self-esteem. “He treats every player as amazing individuals while leading each one to great achievements as a unified team.”
Mark Griffin, founder/president of Play Rugby, based in New York City, is the Hershey’s STRIVE National Administrator of the Year. Griffin has pioneered a completely new and unique youth sports education program using a non-contact “flag” version of rugby as an effective education tool for boys and girls in urban area schools and after-school programs across America. Griffin brings more than 23 years of experience as a passionate player, coach and administrator to his position at Play Rugby. Play Rugby encourages kids to have fun, improve their fitness and learn a new game while developing 10 core values including teamwork, leadership, discipline, respect, and responsibility.
Sally S. Johnson, NCYS Executive Director, noted that the lack of recognition given to outstanding adult leaders involved in youth sports prompted NCYS to create the STRIVE awards four years ago. “Honoring America’s hometown heroes on a national scale gives them the praise they deserve,” Johnson said. “It is awe-inspiring to pay tribute to these exceptional individuals who devote countless hours each week, all while juggling full-time careers, families, and other commitments.”
Other STRIVE Award winners include:
Amy Skeen of Chicago, Ill. will be honored as one of the Hershey’s STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator’s of the Year. Skeen serves as Executive Director of Girls in the Game, a program that incorporates both multi-sport and quality fitness opportunities with comprehensive health and nutrition education. Girls in the Game is committed to enabling girls to try a variety of new sports and develop healthy habits in a safe and supportive environment. Skeen leads by example mentoring staff and coaches who provide individual attention and serve as positive role models while improving the health and overall well-being of girls.
George Waldbauer of the Suffolk County New York Police Athletic League (PAL) will also be honored as the Hershey’s STRIVE Local Youth Sports Administrator of the Year. PAL aspires to make a youngster’s first experience with the police officer a positive one by keeping at-risk kids off the streets and out of trouble in supervised athletic activities. Waldbauer has been Executive Director of PAL for 26 years. The program has grown and now serves more than 29,000 boys and girls. He led an extraordinary effort to build a state of the art multi-sports complex for players and families in Suffolk County. His supporters say, “For George, it’s all about the kids and his community.”
Hatti Hartman of Austin, Texas was chosen as the Hershey’s STRIVE Volunteer of the Year. Hartman was recognized for her contagious spirit of enthusiasm, her unparalleled ability to organize and communicate, and her unquestionable integrity. The Oak Hill Youth Sports Association community agrees, “It would take ten people to wear all the various hats that Hatti Hartman wears each and every day.” She is a motivator, a doer, and the one who “pinch hits” whenever and wherever the need arises.
Winners will receive a check for $2,500, payable to the youth sports organization of his or her choice. Ceremonies for each will be held in their communities or at their organization’s national event.
ABOUT The NCYS
The National Council of Youth Sports (NCYS) comprises the who's who in the youth sports industry. Its membership represents more than 180 organizations/corporations serving 52 million boys and girls participating in organized youth sports throughout the United States. NCYS members include organizations such as: Little League Baseball, Pop Warner Football, U.S. Youth Soccer Association, United States Olympic Committee, and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. To learn more about the NCYS visit www.ncys.org.
ABOUT The Hershey Company
The Hershey Company has long offered successful fundraising programs for youth in America. Its sponsorship of the STRIVE Awards stems from The Hershey Company’s devotion to helping children of all ages to “Dream, Reach and Succeed” in everything that they do. For more information about The Hershey Company and its fundraising programs, visit www.hersheysfundraising.com.
CONTACT
Sally S. Johnson, Executive Director
National Council of Youth Sports
772-781-1452
youthsports@ncys.org
Play Rugby USA announced its summer camp series for 2007
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Play Rugby USA is excited to announce its summer camp series for 2007 and it is proving to be a busy summer! Play Rugby will continue to work with a number of public schools, introducing rugby to their summer camps throughout July and August. It is likely that over 10 schools will benefit from Play Rugby’s expertise bring rugby to over 1000 students. Play Rugby maintains its relationship with the Sports and Arts in Schools Foundation, and organization that administers a number of summer activities and will also continue to work with a number of existing program partners.
Play Rugby is also providing up to 20 students full scholarships to attend a Fresh Air Rugby Camp, in the green mountains of Norwich Vermont. The scholarships will be awarded to students in Play Rugby’s public school programs that have exhibited positive rugby values such as teamwork, leadership, discipline and respect, in addition to showing good sportsmanship throughout their seasons.
A little closer to New York City, Play Rugby is planning to run a week long day camp (9am – 1pm) in Pelham Bay Park during the week of July 23 – 27. This is open to any boys and girls aged between 8 and 14. Additionally, Play Rugby is offering a 3 day camp (9am – 3.30pm) for the same age-group in Manhattan, August 7 – 9. The latter camps will take place on the fantastic rooftop field at Pier 40. Both camps will offer players in and around the New York area an opportunity to play numerous fun rugby-themed games, develop basic rugby skills and compete for fun in World Cup-themed teams. Play Rugby will base all of its coaching on it’s 2 curriculum – “Give Rugby a Try” and “Team Rugby”.
Speaking about the camps, Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby stated: “it’s going to be a busy summer for us and we’re really looking forward to it. Not only can we continue to grow our good momentum throughout New York’s public schools but for the first time we will be offering fee-based camps in New York City that will help build some momentum with young players here while supporting our program. Needless to say, applications for coaching jobs are open!”
For anyone interested in learning more about Play Rugby’s camp offering, they should visit: http://playrugbyusa.com/programs/camps.html or call Mark Griffin directly on 212 851 8858.
Get your rugby gear here…Play Rugby USA and World Rugby Shop join forces.
Friday, February 16, 2007
New York, N.Y., Play Rugby USA today officially launched its partnership with 365-inc the parent company of (among other things) the World Rugby Shop and www.rugbyrugby.com. The agreement expands the already sturdy foundation that Play Rugby USA is developing before rolling out its program next year. Currently, this curriculum-based youth development rugby program is based only in New York.
As part of the agreement the World Rugby Shop have agreed to provide discounted starter kits to all new Play Rugby USA programs and free promotion for Play Rugby USA in the World Rugby Shop catalogues and 365-inc’s rugby-related websites. Additionally, Play Rugby USA will benefit from an online store with the World Rugby Shop with a percentage of sales proceeds going back to support Play Rugby’s program.
Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby, Inc stated “The World Rugby Shop provides a great fit for us. The partnership enables us to provide equipment to schools below retail prices which makes rugby even more compelling as a low-cost-entry sport. The WRS also has the infrastructure to support our growth objectives and can help us achieve significant visibility through its catalogues and websites that are viewed by hundreds and thousands of people”.
Visitors to Play Rugby’s website can reach the online store through the “Rugby Gear” logo on the
home page.
Setanta Sports brings Play Rugby USA to American TV audience!
Sunday, February 3, 2007
New York, N.Y., Play Rugby USA the New York based youth development rugby program today announced its media partnership with Setanta Sports. As part of the partnership, Setanta has agreed to feature multiple 30 second promotions of the Play Rugby USA program during the RBS 6 Nations Tournament.
Play Rugby USA continues to bring non contact rugby to boys and girls in urban schools throughout New York, using curriculum based programming as the core to it’s continued success. With the 6 Nations being such a huge international rugby tournament, the Setanta audience following the teams gives Play Rugby some good exposure to people that care about the game.
“It’s a great opportunity for us, of course” stated Play Rugby’s Founder and President, Mark Griffin. “Setanta have been very gracious in providing us with this promotional footage. They understand the significant progress we’ve made in a short space of time and of course the huge potential we have in front of us to transform rugby into a school-based sport in America”. With more children playing rugby and wanting to see the professionals on TV, the audience for rugby in the US continues to grow.
Setanta have also featured Play Rugby USA in one of their recent newsletters and both companies are working on providing prominent mutual links to each others websites, both of which look to promote the game of rugby.
The partnership is timely for Play Rugby USA as they embark on their national fundraising campaign during the first quarter of this year. It also helps Play Rugby establish some presence in other cities throughout the states, in which it plans to partner with universities, youth rugby organizations and others to multiply the benefits of the current program to thousands of students nationwide.
New Yorker turns rugby into Peace Corps curriculum
Monday, January 29, 2007
A New York journalist-turned-Peace Corps volunteer is incorporating rugby into his field work in the Caribbean.
James Foster, who played for New York AC in 2004-06, has introduced youth clinics in St. Vincent, as a supplement to his 27-month assignment to teach welding in the eastern Caribbean nation.
Foster launched the initiative in conjunction with Play Rugby, the New York Citynonprofit, after a teammate joined the Mark Griffin-led organization. “I thought it sounded like something that could potentially be applied here, so I asked [NYAC’s Christian Mayo] if he would be interested in co-conducting a clinic using the Play Rugby curriculum,” Foster said in an email.
Two clinics staged over the past two weekends have been dramatically successful, Foster said. “Since Saturday, I have had kids camped outside my little gate asking to play rugby.”
St. Vincent is notably afflicted by marijuana production and usage, illiteracy, and teenage pregnancies, according to Foster, who’s been on the ground for six months.
In addition to Play Rugby, NYAC has chipped in funding and the Peace Corps has formally approved the initiative. Foster has primarily sought balls and rudimentary field equipment, in order to keep the clinics cost-free for participants.
Play Rugby USA announces its "Develop A Player" campaign with 3 easy ways for you to help!
Monday, October 24, 2006
New York, N.Y. (October 24, 2006) --Play Rugby USA™ a grassroots youth rugby development organization today announced its “Develop A Player” campaign along with the addition of a donors page to its new website www.playrugbyusa.com which represents the first step in the organization’s three year fundraising plan. As a 501 (c) 3 charitable organization, Play Rugby, Inc. relies on fundraising events and donations in addition to program revenue to continue to develop its programs. Currently, over 95% of Play Rugby’s after-school participants are from urban-based low to middle income families. Play Rugby is able to provide these programs to the students for free due to fundraising proceeds and by partnering directly with schools, the NYC Department of Education and other third-party organizations that are able to provide funding.
Play Rugby’s Develop a Player campaign provides a way people can support a child’s development through learning the life skills and athletic skills associated with this dynamic sport. It is also a great way for people to give something back to the game rugby. Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby notes that it costs just $180 to support a student for a full year (3 seasons) of rugby in their school. This includes their uniform, equipment and the development and support of a trained coach at the school. $180 translates into just $15 per month, and there are a number of people out there, rugby fans or otherwise, who will feel this is an affordable and easy way to support Play Rugby’s youth development efforts. Griffin states “We hope it will be particularly appealing for people that do not have time to get involved with coaching or administration but want to see the grassroots game move forward.”
Prospective donors can access Play Rugby’s donor page through the supporter’s section of the website: http://playrugbyusa.com/supporters/donate.html and among other things are able to click on a “Network for Good” donor button, to ensure that funds are securely donated to Play Rugby, Inc. Donors can then opt for a one-time or recurring donation (for example $15 monthly) and receive a receipt from Network for Good, which can be used to deduct against their annual tax return. Providing their email address will enable donors to receive Play Rugby’s quarterly newsletter to keep them donors informed of campaign and general program progress.
In addition to supporting the “Develop A Player” campaign directly, there are 2 other easy ways people can support Play Rugby, without even reaching into their own pockets.
“Goodsearch”http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbar for example, is a yahoo-powered search engine which donates a portion of its advertising revenue to registered charities, meaning internet browsers can support their chosen charity without even spending a cent! Users can download the Goodsearch toolbar and choose Play Rugby USA as their chosen charity. Then, every time they search the internet, approximately 1 cent will be donated to Play Rugby.
Play Rugby has also registered with Ebay’s “Givingworks”, another online philanthropic vehicle, allowing Ebay sellers to donate a percentage of their sale proceeds to a registered charity. Sellers that opt to donate sale proceeds through Givingworks benefit from a charitable band which is displayed next to their sale item. Ebay states that this usually attracts higher bids than regular items for sale.
These new online initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg for Play Rugby’s fundraising plans, which will include setting up a supporter’s club, reaching out to private individuals and corporations, quarterly fundraising events and ultimately applying for foundation grants. However, importantly, these online vehicles are easy for people to use and scaleable through the global reach of the internet. Mark Griffin, Play Rugby’s founder states:
“We are still in the process of finalizing Play Rugby’s fundraising plan, but in the meantime we wanted to reach out to the rugby and youth development audience via the internet and get the ball rolling. Our Develop A Player campaign is the first step in this process and compliments of philosophy of “developing youth through rugby”. We have received a lot of positive feedback from all around the world with regard to our program and the intention is that over time, we’ll be able to work with other youth programs to help them raise funds and grow their reach through their own educational communities”…. “A couple of these online vehicles enable people to support our efforts at no cost to themselves and for others that are keen to donate directly, well that’s great also!”
Funds received have been used for various initiatives, including the development of an extremely comprehensive and engaging curriculum along with associated coaching materials including a state of the art DVD (soon to be released) which will support the development of new coaches in the schools. Additionally, delivery of free coach training courses, purchasing of equipment, legal and insurance costs and general operating expenses have all required support from fundraising efforts.
Play Rugby USA
Play Rugby, Inc (Play Rugby) is a non-profit organization providing a fun, unique and inspirational educational experience through the innovative coaching of rugby. Play Rugby’s programs provide children with a fun athletic and developmental experience giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. Play Rugby lives by its philosophy of ‘developing youth through rugby’.
Network for Good
Network for Good is the Internet's leading charitable resource—an e-philanthropy site where individuals can donate, volunteer and get involved with the issues they care about. The organization's goal is to connect people to charities via the Internet—using the virtual world to deliver real resources to nonprofits and communities.
Play Rugby USAT Launches Engaging New Web Site Aimed at Players, Parents, Coaches and Educators
Thursday August 31, 2006
New York, NY (Aug. 30, 2006) -- Play Rugby USA™, a grassroots youth rugby development program, today announced the launch of a new Web site, www.playrugbyusa.com, aimed at introducing this fast-paced international game to American youth, parents, educators, coaches and recreation leaders. In addition, the Web channel will be key in organizing, promoting and popularizing youth rugby at the same level as youth soccer.
Designed by GlobalFluency, the online community will be crucial to engaging with young players, tracking teams, educating coaches, showcasing programs, and enlisting the help of youth organizations, city recreation departments, summer camps and schools seeking to offer an exciting team building sports experience to inner-city and suburban teens.
The launch of www.playrugbyusa.com is timely as Play Rugby USA begins to grow its programs which are currently based in New York City. Play Rugby USA will be offering two new curriculum and professional development packages to schools this fall, including “Give Rugby a Try” – a fun after-school based introduction to various rugby-themed games, and “RugEd – 1” a fun, fitness-themed curriculum for Physical Educators. Later in the year, these will be complemented by a “Team: Rugby” after-school curriculum and a new USA Rugby Physical Education Curriculum, which Mark Griffin, Play Rugby USA™’s Founder, is helping USA Rugby develop along with an advisory group made up of five educational experts chosen by USA Rugby.
Clearly, USA Rugby, the governing body for the sport in America, sees the potential in Play Rugby USA’s plans and has been firmly in tune with Play Rugby USA™’s initial successes in New York. More than 60,000 Americans currently participate in high school, collegiate and amateur rugby leagues and tournaments nationwide, and USA Rugby is ramping up a major marketing campaign to further develop the sport with funding from the International Rugby Board.
Mark Griffin is not only an elected member of USA Rugby’s Congress but also a staff member of the Game Development Team. USA Rugby and Play Rugby USA intend to continue working together on projects that make sense for the “development of youth through rugby” - Play Rugby USA’s underlying philosophy that fits well with USA Rugby’s desire to make rugby the “best experience in American sport”.
“The site is an exciting development in Play Rugby USA’s future,” noted Mark Griffin. “GlobalFluency did a fantastic job designing the site. It is easy to navigate, providing coaches, players & supporters their own dedicated pages, in addition to providing detailed information about Play Rugby, our programs and news, which will be of specific interest to educators and other organizations looking to partner or learn more about Play Rugby,” he added.
Play Rugby USA has ambitious plans for growth, aiming to become the “premium youth rugby program in America,” said Griffin. It intends to do this by partnering with schools, educational organizations, CBOs and other youth rugby programs throughout the U.S., as it has began to do effectively in New York. There’s no rush though, as Griffin points out “we have to get our ducks in order in New York first…the next 12 months will be key in proving the success of our educational-based urban rugby model as we scale it up. In the meantime, we’re simply looking to establish contact and build relationships with other programs in the country”. In the not too distant future Play Rugby hopes to be working with other programs in getting the game into elementary and middle schools throughout the U.S. and it feels the new Web site will prove to be a valuable resource in facilitating this process.
Mark Griffin is not only an elected member of USA Rugby’s Congress but also a staff member of the Game Development Team. USA Rugby and Play Rugby USA intend to continue working together on projects that make sense for the “development of youth through rugby” - Play Rugby USA’s underlying philosophy that fits well with USA Rugby’s desire to make rugby the “best experience in American sport”.
Play Rugby USA
Play Rugby, Inc (Play Rugby) is a non-profit organization providing a fun, unique and inspirational educational experience through the innovative coaching of rugby. Play Rugby’s programs provide children with a fun athletic and developmental experience giving them the tools they need to succeed in life. Play Rugby lives by its philosophy of ‘developing youth through rugby’.
GlobalFluency
GlobalFluency (www.globalfluency.com) is a worldwide leader in Intelligent Market Engagement and has built numerous web sites for business, institutional and non-profit organizations. Based in Silicon Valley, GlobalFluency has offices in New York and a presence in every major market globally. It provides demand generation, authority leadership, perception management, branding, corporate communications and competitive intelligence services to leaders in technology, life sciences, professional services, and consumer market sectors.
USA RUGBY
USA RUGBY, founded in 1975, is the national governing body for rugby and is a member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the International Rugby Board (IRB). The organization is responsible for the development of boys, girls, high school, collegiate and club athletic programs, as well as the six national teams representing the United States in international competition.
Play Rugby USAT partners with Fitness Scholars program
Wednesday July 19, 2006
The program, which is based upon a differentiated learning model in physical and health education, is designed to academically enhance student performance, while improving physical education in New York City public schools through professional development and direct assessment. The program seeks to develop a physical education program that integrates academics and health related fitness concepts.
Play Rugby USA is one of 6 activity programs being created as part of this initiative. In addition to rugby, activities include fencing, swimming, body sculpting, yoga, nutrition and Tai Chi. Part of Fitness Scholar’s objective is to increase students awareness of and involvement in physical activity through the introduction of new sports. Non contact rugby was therefore a perfect fit!
As part of it’s involvement with Fitness Scholars, Play Rugby USA has designed 10 PE lesson plans, that clearly guide teachers with step by step instructions and illustrations. Each lesson builds towards specific FitnessGram tasks, providing both preparation and relevancy to the students by incorporating what Play Rugby President Mark Griffin likes to call ‘rugby-lite’ activities. Rather than being aimed at teaching the students how to play rugby, these activities incorporate fun game based exercises with a rugby ball, that are aimed at promoting physical fitness. Additionally, each lesson includes a relevant academic task, incorporating aspects and learning outcomes of each PE lesson.
Speaking about Play Rugby’s involvement with Fitness Scholars, Mark Griffin said: “Play Rugby USA is proud to be part of the Fitness Scholars program as it fits in perfectly with our philosophy of ‘developing youth through rugby’. Using rugby as a tool for PE teachers to deliver fun activities to their students not only helps promote healthy activity but opens their students’ eyes to a unique and dynamic sport that otherwise they may never have come across. Our aim is that when they think rugby, they think fun!”
Play Rugby hopes the students’ first introduction to rugby through Fitness Scholars will encourage them to participate in Play Rugby’s after school curriculum, thus further enhancing their positive learning and athletics experience.
Play Rugby USA™ – Summer Rugby Camp at Henry Street Settlement
Wednesday June 30, 2006
For immediate release
New York, NY, Play Rugby USA™ today finalized it’s summer camp with Henry Street Settlement, of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Play Rugby will be running a 6 week series of rugby for students from two of Henry Street’s affiliated public schools. This camp will introduce an additional 200 children to flag rugby throughout the summer, increasing the total number of Henry Street students that have played to game to over 400.
The summer camp was a great success last year and has come off the back of Play Rugby’s success in running rugby at Henry Street’s after school program. In speaking about Play Rugby’s recent after school program at Middle School 56 (part of Henry Street’s after school programming), Ceci Marquette said: “Rugby has been great for the kids. I knew nothing about the game but what I know now is the kids love it. For me, the best thing about rugby is that now I have a number of kids that want to play something other than basketball !”
So, as the awareness of flag rugby on the lower east side continues to grow, Henry Street and Play Rugby are working together to create new development opportunities for the kids in the fall season. Initiatives include the use of student rugby workbooks to directly enhance academic learning and achievement as well as a new league competition that will provide the students an opportunity to function as a team. For the moment though, it’s all about some summer fun playing rugby!
Henry Street was founded in 1893 by social work pioneer Lillian Wald on Manhattan's Lower East Side. The Henry Street Settlement delivers a wide range of social service and arts programming to more than 100,000 New Yorkers each year. Distinguished by a profound connection to its neighbors, a willingness to address new problems with swift and innovative solutions, and a strong record of accomplishment, Henry Street challenges the effects of urban poverty by helping families achieve better lives for themselves and their children.
Play Rugby USA™ – Summer Rugby Master Class Schedule Announced
Wednesday June 7, 2006
For immediate release
New York, NY, Play Rugby USA™ today announced its schedule for its inaugural Summer Rugby Master Class. The Master Class is open to male and female rugby players and coaches of all
levels, from High School age and up. It is part of Play Rugby’s ongoing attempt to align with its
LAU – the Met Union to help promote and develop the game. The classes will provide a level of
insight into team tactics, strategy and individual skills aimed to supplement what attendees may
experience at club, university or high school. The classes will also work towards a style of play
consistent with the Met Union select sides so that they benefit players looking to compete at the
representative level.
The Master Class will encompass a series of 8 coaching sessions, commencing Wednesday June 14, 2006 covering a number of topics listed below:
Wednesday 6/14 Team and Individual Defense
Wednesday 6/21 Ball Handling Skills
Wednesday 6/21 Ball Handling Skills
Wednesday 6/28 Set Pieces (Forwards) & Set Piece Plays (Backs)
Wednesday 7/5 Maintaining possession in contact
Wednesday 7/15 Decision making and Sportsvision
Wednesday 8/2 Continuity, Sequencing and Patterns
Wednesday 8/9 Kicking, receiving and counterattacks
Wednesday 8/23 Fitness for Rugby
The sessions will take place on the rooftop field at Pier 40 overlooking the ‘Bullpen’ and New York City skyline. The minimal cost of paying upfront for 8 sessions ($15/session for adults and $10/session for students) is aimed to make the sessions affordable for all. Payments are tax deductible with proceeds benefiting the development of local youth programs.
Registration is available at http://shop.playrugbynyc.com.
Speaking about the Master Class, Griffin says “the idea is to give players of all levels a valuable,flexible and affordable learning experience in place of or in addition to attending a summer camp.By specializing on a separate topic each week, we will be able to cover off the most significantaspects of the game, while exploring each of these areas in the appropriate level of detail. We arevery excited about these classes and look forward to seeing players from all over the Met inattendance”.
Coaches will include Mark Griffin, (Founder Play Rugby, Inc and USA Eagles) and other senior coaches throughout the Met. As at the Forwards Coaching Clinic in February (which boasted over 100 attendees) all participants will receive handouts detailing the theory behind these practical coaching sessions to further aid their learning experience.
Questions should be directed to Mark Griffin on 212 851 8858 or markgriffin@playrugbynyc.com.
Play Rugby USA is a registered trademark of Play Rugby, Inc; a New York non profit 501(c)3 organization whose philosophy is to ‘develop youth through rugby’.
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