Rugby NY Presents Non-Contact Rugby to Phys-Ed Classes in NY State
During the 2022-2023 school year, Rugby NY brought non-contact Rugby to physical education classes around the state. Rugby NY was present in 18 schools and reached 9,000 elementary, middle, and high school students.
The program’s focus was to expose students to rugby, encourage rugby as part of a healthy lifestyle, and attract future rugby players and fans in advance of the 2031 and 2033 Rugby World Cups.
Each school was provided with the resources and equipment needed to include non-contact Rugby in its physical education curriculum. Rugby NY received financial and equipment donations from Stewart’s Shops (a local dairy and convenience store group), USA Rugby, and Major League Rugby. Rugby NY is looking to increase the number of schools served in the coming school year and to introduce non-contact Rugby through community centers and after-school programs.
Rugby NY’s effort is part of Imagine Rugby, a partnership of USA Rugby, USA Youth and High School Rugby, and Major League Rugby, which works to make rugby available to youth in North America through partnerships with schools, recreation departments, not-for-profits, and MLR teams.
Rugby NY is now scheduling presentations for the 2023-24 school year. Volunteers are needed to assist in delivering this program and training will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering or having your school participate in the program, please contact Rugby NY Executive Director Rob Sliwinski at director@rugbyny.com.
2022-23 School Visits
Canajoharie Elementary and Middle Schools
Port Chester Middle School
Port Chester JFK Elementary School
Catskill Middle School
Catskill High School
Greenville Middle School
Greenville High School
Schenectady High School
Maple Hill Middle and High School (Castleton)
South Glens Falls High School
Cooperstown High School
Global Concepts Charter School (Buffalo)
Schuylerville Middle School
Schuylerville High School
Canastota High School
Glens Falls Middle School
Cohoes Middle School
Holland Patent High School
RugbyNY is the governing body for youth and high school rugby in the state of New York. They are a member of USA Youth & High School Rugby's Northeast region and are an officially recognized State Youth Rugby Organization (SYRO) by USA Rugby.
RugbyNY is registered with the New York State Department of State as a not-for-profit corporation and is recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.