Increasing the youth rugby movement involves several strategies to make the sport more appealing, accessible, and engaging for young players. We have talked about what we called the School Program CIPP several times on The Rugby Rant and it is time once again during this international period to talk about the one thing that we are sure will help the Eagles achieve their goals for Moonshot 2031 … an increase in youth rugby participation.
Every year active USAR members when registering for their club teams pay their CIPP (Club Individualized Participation Plan) which is a third-party insurance for individual players who are looking to play and is a requirement. This is one of the better programs offered via USAR, but what does it have to do with Youth Rugby Growth?
Well … a fat, out of shape, injury ridden former club player, such as myself, with a family and work obligations may find it hard to physically create or help with a youth program but wants to put their money where their mouth is.
That is great!
What happens if there is not a youth program around or you have a hard time vetting the organization in your area? That is where the School Program CIPP comes in. At fifty dollars a year, your money would be specifically allocated to the program that gets rugby into the Physical Education Departments in schools or will help with the creation of touch rugby leagues and clinics.
The program helps USAR/Local Unions to partner with schools to introduce rugby through physical education classes and after-school programs. Provide resources and support to teachers to help them to deliver engaging rugby content.
The first thing we would need to do is identify in which areas these 2 things would be successful. Using the local rugby unions, we could get presentations into the school systems about the fact this would be cost neutral for the school systems as the only thing needs would be the balls, instructional clinics for PE teachers, a video explaining touch rugby with Eagles and MLR stars to the students and maybe rip away flag belts as I could see flag rugby being more appropriate which would all be provide with funds from this specific CIPP. Once the determination is made if the rugby program can be used in the school system or not then we move to the next side which is the external youth program which would be how to setup a league and clinics.
The second phase of the project would then create the marketing tools the outside organizations would need to market the newly created programs. Organize rugby festivals, tournaments, and open days that highlight the sport in a fun, non-competitive environment. This can help demystify rugby and attract new players. Create family-oriented events where parents can get involved, watch games, and participate in coaching clinics. Use social media platforms to share success stories, highlight young talent, and promote events. Engaging content can attract and inspire new players. Work with local media to feature youth rugby games and events, increasing visibility and interest. Encourage older youth players to mentor younger ones, fostering a sense of community and connection within the sport.
What this entire program does, if we can get it nationwide, is ensure that rugby is accessible to all by keeping costs low and providing the baseline supplies needed via the CIPP funds and creates a program that caters to different skill levels and backgrounds, while creating a supportive and inclusive environment where players feel valued and encouraged. With this strategy, you can help make rugby more visible, appealing, and accessible to young people, fostering a strong and vibrant youth rugby movement.
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