Partnering with Schools to Introduce Rugby

At Great Falls/McLean Youth Rugby, we are always interested in forming mutually beneficial partnerships with local schools, PE departments, athletic programs, and after-school activities.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth rugby organization serving the Reston, Herndon, Sterling, McLean, Great Falls, and surrounding communities, our mission extends beyond developing rugby players. We aim to help young people develop confidence, resilience, leadership, teamwork, respect, and healthy lifestyles through sport.

By working together with local schools, we can provide students with a unique and engaging athletic experience while supporting educational and physical development goals.

Why Rugby?

Rugby is one of the fastest-growing youth sports in the United States and is played by millions of people worldwide. The game teaches valuable life skills while providing an exciting and inclusive athletic experience.

Core values of rugby are:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Discipline
• Sportsmanship
• Leadership

These values align closely with the goals of schools and youth development programs.

Students learn how to communicate effectively, work as part of a team, support one another, and demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials

Why Rugby Works So Well in PE Programs

Physical Education programs provide an ideal environment for introducing rugby because most students have never played the sport before.
Unlike many traditional sports where some students have years of experience, rugby places almost everyone on equal footing. This creates a more inclusive environment where all students can participate, learn, and succeed together.

PE instructors consistently find that rugby:

• Encourages participation from all students
• Keeps students active and engaged
• Develops agility, coordination, balance, and spatial awareness
• Promotes teamwork and communication
• Provides a fresh alternative to traditional PE units
• Can be taught safely through non-contact formats
• Requires minimal additional equipment

Many students who may not connect with traditional sports discover a sport they genuinely enjoy through rugby.

Safe, Inclusive, and Easy to Implement

Our school programs are based on USA Rugby's Rookie Rugby model, the official non-contact introduction to the sport.
Rookie Rugby uses simple touch rules rather than tackling, making it safe, fun, and accessible for students of all skill levels.

Rookie Rugby Features

• Encourages participation from all students
• Non-contact "two-hand touch" format
• Suitable for Elementary, Middle, and High School students
• Boys and girls participate together
• Continuous activity with minimal downtime
• Easy-to-learn rules
• Can be played indoors or outdoors
• Adaptable to different class sizes and abilities

Because schools already have access to fields, gymnasiums, cones, and pinnies, the only additional equipment typically required is rugby balls.

Benefits for Students

Physical Benefits

• Increased physical activity
• Improved cardiovascular fitness
• Enhanced coordination and motor skills
• Development of speed, agility, and balance
• Whole-body athletic development

### Social Benefits * Teamwork and collaboration * Communication skills * Leadership development * Confidence building * Positive peer relationships ### Educational Benefits * Strategic thinking and decision-making * Problem-solving under pressure * Goal setting and personal responsibility * Respect for rules and authority --- ## Benefits for Schools Schools that introduce rugby often find that it complements existing athletic and physical education programs. Benefits include: * A low-cost sports module * Increased student engagement * Support for physical literacy initiatives * Inclusive participation opportunities * Access to certified coaching support * Potential after-school programming opportunities * Connections to local community sports organizations * Exposure to a global sport played in more than 100 countries Many administrators appreciate that rugby provides a new activity option while requiring very little investment. --- ## Flexible Partnership Opportunities We can tailor our involvement to meet each school's specific needs. ### Option 1: PE Class Instruction Our USA Rugby-certified coaches can deliver rugby sessions directly to students during PE classes. ### Option 2: Teacher Development We can provide demonstrations and training for PE instructors, enabling schools to run their own rugby units independently. ### Option 3: After-School Programs We can assist schools in establishing after-school rugby programs that provide additional athletic opportunities for students. ### Option 4: Camps and Special Events Rugby can be incorporated into: * Summer camps * Sports festivals * Wellness programs * Field days * Community engagement events --- ## Ongoing Support Our commitment does not end after the first session. We continue to: 1. Support program implementation 2. Provide instructional guidance 3. Share lesson plans, games, and drills 4. Assist with equipment recommendations 5. Help connect interested students with local youth rugby opportunities Our goal is to build sustainable programs that benefit schools, students, and the wider community. --- ## About Great Falls/McLean Youth Rugby Great Falls/McLean Youth Rugby is a 501(c)(3) non-profit youth rugby organization serving Northern Virginia. We provide year-round rugby opportunities for boys and girls and compete alongside nearly 30 clubs throughout the Rugby Virginia league. Our programs emphasize player development, safety, sportsmanship, and community involvement. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport and discover what they are capable of achieving. --- ## Let's Work Together We would welcome the opportunity to discuss how rugby could enhance your Physical Education curriculum, after-school offerings, or student enrichment programs. Whether you are interested in a single demonstration session, a full PE unit, an after-school program, or teacher training, we would be happy to customize a program that meets your school's needs. Contact us today to learn more about introducing rugby to your students.

Rookie Rugby: targeting schools' PE programs

We are always interested in forming a mutually beneficial relationship with local schools and their PE and other Sport and After-School Programs.

Rugby offers a number of values that are essential in everyday life, values that play a crucial part in the development of boys and girls as they stumble (and are guided) through childhood and, eventually, become agreeable and fine young persons. These values are fostered in rugby in general, and particularly in our youth programming.

To achieve our goals, and as part of our community outreach, our Club is working to introduce rugby to local schools. We are looking to work with local Elementary, Middle and High School in the Reston, Herndon, Sterling, McLean, and Great Falls areas, to help share these values and develop the sport.

Our club, Great Falls/McLean Youth Rugby is a 501(c)3 non-profit youth, coed rugby club that plays year-round with close to 30 other teams in the Rugby Virginia league.

We have found that school PE programs are a great opportunity to not only introduce a largely unknown sport but also to find kids that really connect to the game. We could do the same for after-school programs and other programs (IE: Summer Camps etc).

We have also found that schools have been receptive to the introductory programs because most equipment is already in place, with the exception of rugby balls. We introduce the sport with a non-contact touch rugby program. USA RUGBY supports this introductory method. It is typical for girls and boys to combine in touch rugby - much like touch football. Instructors like that rugby is usually introduced into a class full of kids who have never played the game before. Most every child in the class is then on level footing. Principals love to see engaged kids actually getting physical exercise, and new sports modules that can be added for minimal cost are always welcome.

Our USA Rugby certified coaches would like to present the program at your school, customized to the school's requirements. Or we could demo a class to the PE instructors who could then take over the program. In all cases, we would continue:
1) to support the program,
2) to include instructional guidance, and
3) to develop the program with games and drills.

More information appears below. We recommend the USA Rugby Rookie Rugby module, as they offer extensive material to coaches. We look forward to hearing from you and, hopefully, working with you soon.

• What is Rookie Rugby?



• Rookie Rugby is the non-contact version of rugby developed for schools and communities (all ages, Elementary-High School).It is very similar to the method that we use for League play.
• Two hand touch is used.
• All players will run, pass, and score.
• For boys and girls of all ages.
• Play is free-flowing and continuous, and SAFE!

• Playing Rookie Rugby



• Rookie Rugby can be played in any indoor or outdoor open space.
• Age and ability determines field size and duration of playing time.
• Rookie Rugby is played between two teams of equal size, generally between five and ten players to a team.
• Boys and girls play by the same rules and teams.
Game uses '2-handed touch' so little to no contact is made between players.

• Athlete Benefits



• Emphasis on continuous activity.
• Promotes health and wellness
• Teaches respect for self and others
• Enhances motor skill development
• All ages and genders can participate
• Encourages good sportsmanship
• Unique, easy to learn, and safe
• FUN!

• Program Benefits



• Extremely low cost.
• Revenue generating (after school program ..?)
• Easy to implement
• Instructional support available
• Game can be tailored to meet program needs
• Creates connections to a global community

Please let us know if you have any questions,
Gary / GFM Rugby
Email