Youth nonprofit gains ground in New York schools

A nonprofit is making headway with New York City schools by conducting non-contact programs and designing curricula for gym classes.

Play Rugby’s summer camp sessions will reach more than 600 7- to 12-year-olds, many minorities and almost all new to the sport. This fall, about half of the 12 participating institutions are likely to continue with Play Rugby’s after-school programs, according to founder Mark Griffin.

“The schools like rugby as it is new, different, and a purposeful way to keep the kids active after school. As our [after school] program is curriculum based, it teaches the children the athletic and life skills in a progressive manner which is also another reason for the success,” Griffin said.

Now in its third year, Play Rugby’s work demonstrates an alternative approach to integrating the game into America’s schools system. Instead of pushing for varsity status, a tough sell due to tight budgets and regulatory hurdles, the organization provides know-how and services that mesh with institutional needs.

For example, the organization is working with a group of 120 New York schools to craft a five-week rugby module that fits into a district-wide fitness initiative. Separately, Play Rugby has developed a course for training gym teachers (and university students) to coach flag rugby.

USA Rugby has jumped in, cooperating with Play Rugby in adapting a gym class curriculum for broader distribution throughout America. The union also is conjoining its Non-contact Rugby course with the teacher-training course, so that completion confers an accreditation of non-contact rugby.

An investment banker by trade Formerly an investment banker, Mr. Griffin manages Play Rugby on a full-time basis. The 31-year-old is a front-line hooker and flanker for New York’s Old Blue, and has  earned nine USA caps, the most recent coming against Romania in the 2005 Super Cup.

Comments

[AMac]

Griff has also been named the new USA Rugby Congress.

[Kurt Oeler]

Yes, quite right. He served on the previous USA Rugby Board as an international athlete and is now a "congressman." 7;^] Thanks Amac.

[G.R. Plick]

Let's hope this system is successful! If so, then the rest of the U.S.can adopt the discipline. It would certainly become the first step to the U19 program. A progression that has yet to be established here in America.