Academy Staff Updates

After a tremendously challenging yet momentum-building year, we have made some changes to the staffing structure of the Play Rugby Academy team, to maximize our ability to Go Forward into the fall season! We are so proud of this amazing group of people that are committed to changing lives both on and off the rugby pitch! We…

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Play Rugby Announces Partnership with Coaching Corps

Play Rugby Kids

Play Rugby is excited to announce its partnership with Coaching Corps, an organization committed to training coaches and afterschool programs to cultivate an environment where kids experience trust, belonging, autonomy, and growth.  Coaching Corps has provided Play Rugby with access to its online portal, free of charge, to support the continued training and development of our Youth…

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Play Rugby USA Awarded Laureus Grant

Laureus Logo

Play Rugby is honored to be the recipient of a $25,000 Sport for Good grant from Laureus USA, for the second year in a row, to support the growth of the Play Rugby Academy.  The Play Rugby Academy provides rugby training and competition, youth development and educational resources to help put young people on a path to success. Our programs are…

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Celebrating Black History Month

February is Black History Month, and to celebrate, we are highlighting black athletes and leaders that have influenced the sport of rugby throughout the world.   Each week our Academy coaches shared the story of one individual, their impact on the sport of rugby, and how they exemplify one of the Play Rugby Values-in-Action. Phaidra Knight – Go Forward Phaidra Knight is a World…

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New SBYD Research

Sports-Based Youth Development Programs Foster More Social and Emotional Learning Than Non-Sports Programs The study was released by Laureus USA and confirmed that sports-based youth development (SBYD) programs play a significant role in fostering critical social and emotional learning (SEL) skills necessary for young people to succeed both on and off the field.   The study, funded by The Allstate Foundation, surveyed nearly…

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Play Rugby Academy Receives $50,000 Grant From RBC Foundation USA

Kids with trophy

Play Rugby is honored to be the recipient of a $50,000 grant from RBC Foundation USA to support the Play Rugby Academy. The Play Rugby Academy provides rugby training and competition, youth development and educational resources to help put young people on a path to success. Our programs are designed specifically to address the unique…

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Play Rugby Awarded adidas Grant

Play Rugby is honored to be awarded the adidas Changing Lives Through Sport grant! The purpose of the adidas grant program is to remove barriers for kids living in underresourced communities, and these funds will help us continue to deliver transformative youth development programs to young people throughout New York City. Thank you to adidas…

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Youth Rugby is for CHAMPS

A chilly Saturday morning in February saw 11 dedicated coaches, over 200 passionate players, and 3 hours of engaging rugby action. It was Leap Day of 2020 and it marked our second CHAMPS tournament of the decade.   The name CHAMPS stands for Cooperative, Healthy, Active, Motivated and Positive Students, and these tournaments are the products of our three-way partnerships with the New York City Department of Education (DOE) local schools. CHAMPS…

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Strengthening your Brand by Tackling Social Issues

Corporate Social Responsibility describes a company’s commitment to carry out their business in an ethical way. The practice has become commonplace for many organizations as we strive to uncover ways to give back and strengthen our communities. No matter the size of the organization, there is an expectation, often driven by customers and employees, for businesses to do the “right thing”. Corporate Social Responsibility can take on many different forms.…

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We are Hiring: Youth Development Mentors

Enjoy working with Youth? Looking for a hands-on and meaningful role? Interested in mentoring the next generation of student athletes while having fun?   At Play Rugby USA, we use the unique power of rugby to empower and inspire youth from underserved communities, helping them to go forward and realize their true potential and we are currently hiring Youth Development Mentors in New York City.   Our…

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