Why is Rugby a Great Sport for Boys and Girls?

If you google "Why should my son/daughter play rugby?" - you will find millions of articles on the great attributes that rugby offers for players of all ages.  If you ever ask a rugby player about rugby, they are so passionate about the game that they believe that over and above any other, rugby is the best sport. So what are some of these reasons, and why should you let your child get involved in rugby?

One major reason is which other competitive sport can be played by anyone?!… there is positions for short and stout, tall and slim, heavy set, strong, agile, jumpers, speedsters. The entire team defends and also attacks and anyone can score (well not everyone can kick.. but you can get my drift). And there are teams for both boys and girls!

Here is a quick list from ruck.co.uk on WHY you should get your kids involved NOW!
1. Improve Physical Health - rugby takes A LOT of physical work, from running to rucking and tackling
2. Develop social skills - teamwork makes the dream work!
3. Character building - you win some, you lose some
4. Equal Opportunities - everyone gets the chance to do everything: run, pass, kick, score!
5. Build self-esteem and confidence - those little successes add up
6. Learn valuable life-lessons - As our President says: As in Rugby, As in Life
7. Positive Role Models - The Knicks have a organization filled with great role models, from players to coaches
8. Make lifelong friends - Knick for life! 
9. Breed academic success - Children who were involved with at least one sport were more likely to get better grades suggests a study conducted by the American College of Sports Medicine.
10. They’ll experience the incredible feeling of being part of a team
11. They will respect others, regardless of their decisions - When the referee makes a decision we disagree with, kids still call him “sir” and don’t talk back.
12. It helps to reduce stress - Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphinsand also improve the ability to sleep
13. It could even go somewhere! - Many universities have budding varsity programs with scholarship opportunities. And there are college and adult clubs everywhere!

Is Rugby dangerous?

​Rugby players don’t wear pads. And it’s a collision sport. But safety is a huge part of the sport and culture of rugby. It has been widely debated in the media whether rugby is in fact a dangerous sport for children, but according to experts, rugby is in fact one of the best disciplines you can offer to a child. Up to the age of 9, it is a non-contact sport, whereby touch or flag rugby is played. Between the ages of 9 and 11 children are then taught how to tackle and start getting into contact, but it is not until high school that rugby becomes a tackle sport.

Current Youth Schedule

WHAT: Spring Outdoor Rugby
WHEN: Both starting Saturday, 4/17
           Middle School and High School: Saturdays 10:30am-12pm & Wednesdays 5-6:30pm
           Flag Rugby (Grades 2-5): Saturdays 9:30-11am & Wednesdays 5-6:30pm
WHERE: Dick Green Field
WHO: Girls and Boys grades 2-12.  See note below regarding Middle School aged children.
COST: $25 for Club Dues. There is also the requirement to join USA Rugby. Joining USA Rugby is needed for the club's insurance.  [Please note that if you registered for USA Rugby in the fall, you do NOT need to register again as that membership is good from September 1 - August 31. See below for instructions]  

Middle School is Grades 5-8 and is the introduction to contact (tackle) rugby. We will have games for our teams but the closest opposition is downstate, primarily in Westchester County.  They generally play on Sundays.  If you wish your Middle School child to play non-contact rugby, flag rugby is still an option.

Please fill out the below forms (below the Paypal box) and email to youthrugby@albanyknicks.org or bring to the first sessions. Please also review our COVID protocols and fill out those forms (digital).

Payment for the season is available above or can be brought to practice. Checks should be made out to the Albany Knicks or AKRFC. If you pay in cash, you get a little fee discount! You may also venmo @albanyknicksrugby

As always, financial assistance is available for those in need.  Please contact us at the above email.  No one will be turned away.  

Want to get involved but not ready to commit?
Swing by a practice and check out what we are all about or send any questions to coach Rob Sliwinski or send us a chat on Facebook

COVID Policies

The Following Protocols will be followed:
​AKRFC Youth COVID Protocols

​Please fill out the following:
Before your first session only - Participant Liability Release Waiver
Before every session you attend - COVID Questionnaire
Pay your season dues online!
*Note there is a $1 fee added to help cover our credit card costs through paypal
Fall/Spring dues can be paid online:
https://usarugby.sportlomo.com/  
         Search by Type - Youth and HS
         Search by Region - Rugby NY
         Search by Club - Albany Knickerbocker Youth Rugby
         Scroll down and clink on register
         Click on Fall 2020 Youth Dues
You will be prompted to create an account and from there you can register your child. 

Albany Youth Rugby History

Youth Rugby in New York State has grown exponentially in recent years.  Capital District Youth Rugby (CDYR) was a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that promoted rugby development, team play, and sportsmanship for high school students and had established teams in Albany, Renssealer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Kingston, and Berkshire.  Along with other youth rugby programs across the state, CDYR was part of RugbyNY, a USA Rugby recognized State Based Rugby Organization (SBRO).  Through this affiliation, CDYR organized spring season schedules and player development clinics, participated in NYS High School Championships, and sent players to state All-Star Competitions.  CDYR also developed a "Rookie Rugby" program for children in grades 2-8. Rookie Rugby is a fun, easy to play, non-contact rugby game that is designed as an introduction to teach the basics. In 2018, the Albany Knicks took in CDYR to help build the program.
 
Many of the Knickerbocker senior club members are active in the youth rugby through coaching and officiating.  If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Rob Sliwinski.

Registering with USA Rugby

The cost to join USA Rugby is $15 for flag players, $35 for middle school players and $50 for high school players. It includes club dues.  One stop shopping. This is only required once per rugby calendar year (September 1 - August 31) Here's how:
  1. Go to: https://www.usayhsrugby.org/
  2. Click on “Register”
  3. Enter Type – Drag down “Youth and High School”
  4. Enter Region – Drag down “Rugby New York”
  5. Enter Club Name – Drag down “Albany Knickerbocker Youth"
  6. Click on “Spring High School Player” or "Spring Youth Player" or "Spring Rookie (Youth Non-contact)" Button
  7. Click on “Register”
  8. Create an account.  (Email/password, etc.)
  9. REGISTER/RENEW – This is a new system so you need to register even if you have registered before.  A page for a single player will be created, populating number of players with “1.” If you want to register multiple players, just change that number of players you wish to register.  Click on CONTINUE.
  10. Personal Data page will appear.  Completely fill-in data and sign waivers.  Click on ENTER.
  11. Complete payment.