Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States! Each year more and more people are getting involved, and with the inclusion of Rugby 7s in the 2016 Rio Olympics now is the best time to pick up that weird shaped ball and run with it! Most people don’t get involved in rugby until they are in high school or even college, and that is mostly because youth rugby(middle school age or younger) is almost non-existent in the States. Unlike Soccer, Football and Hockey, Rugby isn’t something that kids grow up playing, or watching on TV. VYRA is here to change that.
It is our goal to bring rugby into elementary and middle school gym programs, to set up touch and flag leagues for youth, create summer camps and clinics to increase visibility and interest, develop strong high school teams who produce not only quality athletes, but quality individuals. We believe that rugby is a game that changes lives, and teaches valuable life lessons that help build a strong foundation for success in all aspects of an individuals life.
Elementary and Middle School Age
In closing I want to just say that youth rugby in Vermont is a work in progress. One that can’t happen without the support of the parents of kids who want to give rugby a shot. A lot of parents thing that rugby is too dangerous, even for their high school students, but to them I want to just point out that rugby is in-fact safer than American Football, and majority of youth rugby leagues are non-contact until the high school level so their is really no reason for you to not let your kid have a chance to learn the newest Olympic sport! Rugby not only teaches the rules of the game, but it teaches respect, passion, hard work, compassion and accountability. It’s not all about winning, it’s about getting out their on the pitch, making new friends and having fun. Anyone can play soccer or football, it’s not often you can say “Yeah my son/daughter plays rugby.” Not only will you be the coolest parents on the block, but your child will be too!
802 Rugby 