Play Rugby USA

Play Rugby USA was founded in June 2003 by former USA Eagles national rugby team player Mark Griffin, beginning as a weekend club bringing rugby-themed youth development to boys and girls of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. The first cohort of participants in 2004 were 75 children from a homeless shelter in Brooklyn; after piloting in five schools in 2005, the program launched full-time in 2006. Play Rugby USA’s mission centers on Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD), using an intentionally designed curriculum and methodology to cultivate character, build skills, and develop lifelong habits of mind and body among underserved youth. Over more than 20 years, the organization has grown into a leader in grassroots rugby and SBYD, delivering programming in well over 100 schools and community-based organizations across New York City, Philadelphia, Boston, and Washington, D.C., with recognition from Mayor Bloomberg, the NYC Department of Education, USA Rugby, and others.

Website: https://playrugbyusa.org/

Donate: https://playrugbyusa.org/donate/