Las Vegas Takes a Gamble on Rookie Rugby

On Jan. 6, USA Rugby teamed up with the USA Sevens to provide Rookie Rugby Instructor Training as the first step in growing youth rugby in the state of Nevada. This training was also the first of many events leading up to the 2010 USA Sevens International Rugby Tournament and Fan Festival to be held at Sam Boyd Stadium, Feb. 13 and 14. 

USA Rugby's Youth Development Manager, Erin Kennedy, led participants in Clark Country through an interactive training session filled with Rookie Rugby skills, drills, and games at Paradise Park Recreation Center. A total of 24 volunteers were present to participate in the training session, as well as a classroom session outlining the many resources available on USA Rugby's website.

Rookie Rugby is a game that is targeted at children aged five-12 years old. It is a fun, safe and enjoyable sporting experience that aims to expose the international game of rugby to the youth of the United States. Rookie Rugby programs are administered through schools, community-based and state-based rugby organizations (SBRO), as well as USA Rugby national events.

Following the training, volunteers will now visit at least eight schools within Clark Country and host 19 clinics within physical education classes. These clinics will reach out to 1,490 students in the district and take place over the weeks leading up to the USA Sevens tournament over Valentine's Day weekend. Students will be provided with tickets to the tournament where they can participate in various youth activities and watch a plethora of rugby events at all levels.

Leading the front in growing Las Vegas rugby is Vaha Esikia. Esikia is a former USA Eagle and currently plays for the Las Vegas Blackjacks. He also pioneered a Las Vegas Rugby Academy including Under-7, Under-10, Under-13, and Under-19 teams in 2009.

"Participating in the Rookie Rugby training session was exciting for both me and those who attended," Esikia said. "Being able to learn how to teach rugby to kids of all ages as well as parents and physical education teachers is a great tool to promote rugby in Las Vegas. This Rookie Rugby training has opened the door for people who love the sport and given them the ability to share it with others who are not aware of the fun activity that they are missing."

Also present at the event was USA Sevens Tournament Director, Dan Lyle. Lyle, who is also a former Eagle, was excited to be a participant in the inaugural Rookie Rugby training session in Las Vegas and to learn how to teach rugby to not only children, but to educators and parents. 

"Launching Rookie Rugby in Las Vegas will create a legacy for rugby in Clark County and influence thousands of kids. It was very exciting to be a part of," Lyle said.

Youth events will take place during the Las Vegas Sevens Tournament and Fan Festival will include a Youth Rugby Clinic where children will have the opportunity to learn about rugby and practice different skills and games. For more information on the upcoming Sevens Tournament and Fan Festival please visit www.usasevens.com.

To download the Rookie Rugby guidebook, take the on-line coaching course, or for more information on how to get started with Rookie Rugby today, visit www.usarugby.org/goto/rookie_rugby or contact USA Rugby Youth Development Manager, Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@usarugby.org.

Tags: USA Rugby