US Rugby Foundation Awards $12,000 to Play Rugby USA for Inner-City NYC Programs

The US Rugby Foundation is pleased to announce that Play Rugby USA, a promoter of grassroots rugby in underserved communities, is the recipient of a $12,000 grant to bring the joys of rugby and its positive impact to underserved communities in New York City.

The grant is directed towards Play Rugby USA’s values-based flag rugby after-school programs located in the South Bronx & Harlem areas. With this funding, more children may now actively experience new heights within themselves while they explore all that this sport may achieve for them.

Play Rugby’s after-school flag rugby programs have a proven track record of increasing physical activity, and a direct impact on social and emotional learning growth. The programs also statistically show increases of engagement at school, focus on class, and commitment to academic success. 

“We are incredibly grateful for the support of the US Rugby Foundation and to see their commitment to using the power of rugby to empower and inspire young people”, said Play Rugby USA Executive Director, Wil Snape-Rogers. “This grant will help support the growth of our after-school programs and mean more players will experience positive youth development through rugby.”

Play Rugby has a written and digital curriculum called “Values-in-Action”. They use seven common rugby phrases, to develop a shared language and encourage players to consider how these values may be utilized on the field, at home, at school and in their community. The overall mantra of these values can be summarized in Value #1: Go Forward – have a growth mindset and aim for continuous improvement.

“We are happy to play a part in Play Rugby’s mission of spreading the game of rugby and are eager to bring rugby's dynamic spirit and values to underserved areas of New York City,” said Brian Vizard, President of the US Rugby Foundation. “Play Rugby has done a fantastic job of not only getting more kids introduced to the sport, but also instilling values that rugby has to offer for them to utilize off of the pitch as well."

The US Rugby Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission to grow the game of rugby in the United States by supporting Youth & Development, Health & Safety, Coaching, Refereeing, and Pathways to Excellence while honoring those who exemplify the best of American rugby.

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Learn More About Play Rugby USA

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About The US Rugby Foundation

The US Rugby Foundation, a non-profit organization, has for six decades supported the growth and development of youth rugby in the United States. The Foundation accomplishes this by funding and promoting grassroots programs, college scholarships, coach and referee development, and health and safety. To show support or learn more visit usrugbyfoundation.org.