AG Rugby's "Give Rugby a Try" Program Introduces 5,000 Students to Rugby in 3 Months
April 19, 2022 - Major League Rugby (MLR)
Austin Gilgronis News Release
This Spring, AG Rugby rolled out the "Give Rugby A Try" Program which set an objective to introduce 50,000 elementary, middle, and high school students to rugby by 2026.
Three months in, the team is tracking well towards their five-year goal and having fun along the way. AG Rugby Youth Director Austin Willis is leading the program and believes rugby's growth begins at the grassroots level.
"What we're attempting to do is to provide an engaging and enjoyable first experience to the sport of rugby for school kids from kindergarteners to high schoolers. These boys and girls might become the men and women that will play in a Rugby World Cup on US soil in 2031 and 2033," says Austin Willis. "So if we can get a ball in their hand, get them out to enjoy a professional game, and steer them toward a youth rugby club - from there, the sport of rugby will sell itself and they'll have a game and community for life!"
Each week, Willis takes a coaching team made up of staff, AG players, and Academy players for school visits. The coaching team takes over a PE class for two to three days and gives a Rugby101 experience to the entire school, class by class.
The team talks about rugby's similarities and differences to other core American sports. They show students some highlights from the AG Rugby season and answer questions before heading out to the school field or gym for some games and skill drills.
The class is taught to pass the ball using the passing inflatable and partner passing drills, then broken up into teams for some small-sided games. Then, out comes Austin Gray, the team's mascot, to join in on the fun and leave the students laughing and smiling.
AG Rugby fullback and USA Eagle #503 says, "This program is doing exactly what rugby needs to grow in the US, and what a delight it is to give back to the game. It is a truly rewarding experience to see a youngster light up with a rugby ball in their hand."
As school gets closer to summer break, the "Give Rugby A Try" program marches on past school visits. This Summer, the program is teaming up with the Andy Roddick Foundation to provide 180 underserved youth with an enjoyable introduction to rugby in a weeklong camp format.
AG General Manager Mike Ablett says, "We're excited about everything Austin [Willis] and the 'Give Rugby A Try' program is doing with the Andy Roddick Foundation, with the school visits, and pre-match. We're confident these efforts will positively impact rugby's boom in Central Texas."
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