WHAT WE DO

WHY IT MATTERS THE GIRLS RUGBY DIFFERENCE

WHAT WE DO

EMPOWERING GIRLS TO REACH THEIR POTENTIAL THROUGH SPORT

Girls Rugby provides access for participants to learn vital skills and core values such as leadership, empowerment, achievement, respect and sportspersonship all while enjoying the experience of playing non-contact rugby. Girls Rugby embodies the philosophy of developing participants through sport and understands the positive benefits that participation in team sports has on their lives.

WHY IT MATTERS

Across grades 3rd-12th in the U.S., there are 4 million less girls participating in sports compared with boys (Womens Sports Foundation, 2011). Additionally, by the time girls are in high school, 1 in 4 will never have participated in organized or team sports (Sabo and Veliz, 2008). Even for the most active girls, there are still only 26% that participate in physical activity six to seven days per week. Compared to boys (40%), that number is drastically low (Sabo and Veliz, 2008). Studies have shown that when girls participate in sports, their lives are positively influenced both on and off the field. Not only does participation in sports instill crucial life skills such as teamwork and good sportspersonship, but also decreases negative health risks such as breast cancer and obesity. Participation in sports also increases academic success and the likelihood of high school graduation.

When we break this down into a sport-specific environment, these numbers are even lower. Before Girls Rugby was established in 2017, there were just over 28,700 females registered as rugby players with USA Rugby (25% of the entire USA Rugby membership). Of this number, only 1,055 played flag rugby under the age of 13; over 3,000 less than their male counterparts. The opportunities offered consist of co-ed non-contact programs and co-ed contact programs. Girls-only programs are few and far between, causing girls to drop out of programs or not join all together.

At Girls Rugby we strive to provide a safe, fun and learning-focused environment designed to engage and support young athletes as they go through crucial points of their development.

THE GIRLS RUGBY DIFFERENCE

We pride ourselves on being a professional organization with one goal in mind: to make a difference in the lives of young athletes through rugby. We have put a lot of thought into what makes our programs different. Check out the Girls Rugby Difference below:

VALUES-BASED CURRICULUM

Our volunteer coaches deliver a curriculum packed with flag rugby skills and positive core values that our participants receive every week. This type of approach helps them develop their physical skills while also working on their life skills like teamwork, leadership, respect, and sportspersonship. Girls Rugby athletes will see these values translate to their life in school, at home, and socially. This curriculum is designed to help participants to be more confident in themselves and grow up to make a positive impact on the world. Our qualified coaches will receive continuous support and education on delivering this unique curriculum.

GIRLS RUGBY BRAND

Our brand aims to inspire, empower, and redefine what rugby means for young athletes. Every piece of our brand is designed to make young people feel powerful and want to pick up a rugby ball and get involved. Our brand will show the hearts and souls of our volunteers, helping to inspire more individuals to give back and get involved. We are incredibly passionate about what it means for young people to be active and to lead and succeed in their own lives. This is the Girls Rugby brand.

OUR GIRLS RUGBY STAFF & VOLUNTEERS

We believe in equipping our staff and volunteers with the tools that they need to be successful. Girls Rugby provides consistent support, training and education, and resources to all of our staff and volunteers. These individuals are the lifeblood of our programs and we want to ensure that they are the best role models and mentors for every child that participates.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

We are committed to making Girls Rugby a family who believes that every child deserves the chance to lead and succeed. We want to build our family on the values of diversity and inclusion and will make sure that every member of our family is rooted in our foundational values. If you believe that everyone should have the opportunity to take control of their own life, we welcome you to the Girls Rugby family.