Objective

To develop a community out-reach program that seeks to deliver the sport of rugby as part of elementary and junior high school phys-ed curriculum (grades 4 through 9), as well as deliver sessions to clubs and junior age grade programs across southern Ontario.

Goals

• To deliver a high-quality learning experience for students and teachers, coaches and players;


• To facilitate the basic understanding of the game of rugby through student-centered learning and differentiated instruction;


• Utilize "TGFU", Teaching Games for Understanding or the games-based approach in order to allow for a more comprehensive, discovery-based knowledge of the game of rugby and the skills required to be successful.




Solution




Two instructors would come in and teach a class the basics of the game of rugby, including:




• Movement skills: "getting open", support play, and lines of running




• Passing skills: core passing skills under varying degrees of pressure




• Decision-making: how to execute the correct or ideal decision at the right time, in the right situation.





Additionally, we also "teach the teachers" how to be able to achieve the same or similar results within another classroom and/or further enhance and elaborate on the learning experience of the current class. Within the 5-day program, we would leave assessment and evaluation pieces for teachers to use in the existing evaluation of their students and future classes.




Programs:




One-day: introduction to the game of rugby and basic concepts introduced through a games-based approach. Basic concepts include: ideal pass to be utilized, understanding of space and movement, relationship of receiver to ball-carrier ("getting open").




Three-day: continuation of basic principles of play. Introduction of need to move forward in order to gain territory, idea of team work and continuity, all with an emphasis on effective communication. Decision-making focuses on specifically engaging a 2 v 1 situation and how to best bring about success. Lesson plans are left with the teacher for future classes.




Five-day: reinforcement of "Five Principles of Play": go forward, support, continuity, communication, pressure. Some core skill work is done in terms of passing and decision-making, specifically engaging a 3 v 2; and 4 v 2 situations and how to best facilitate success. Lesson plans and assessment and evaluation tools (rubrics and marking sheets) are left with the teacher for future classes.

Our junior men’s program is designed to specifically develop both fundamental and position-specific skills for male athletes. The program focuses on high-intensity sessions that demand the athlete be able to execute proper technique under pressure.

Highly reputable and experienced coaches, specialists in their field, deliver each component of the program; Guest coaches from the Ontario Blues and Canada’s Senior Men’s programs will often be on-hand to facilitate our skills sessions.

The Strength Training Component of our program is delivered by The Athlete Training Centre in Mississauga and features a progressive strength-training program that specifically addresses the physical needs of the male athlete and physical nature of rugby. Emphasis is placed on the core muscles, posterior-chain, and hypertrophy (muscle-growth) of the player. Complex sport-specific lifts, like “The Clean” and “Overhead Squat”, will be taught through safe, monitored progressions.

This is the only program of its nature in Canada and is guaranteed to improve the performance, skills and knowledge of your son.

Our junior women’s program is designed to specifically develop the fundamental and position-specific skills for female rugby players. The program focuses on proper technique under pressure as delivered by former National Women’s 15 and 7‘s star, Brooke Hilditch and guest coaches from varsity, provincial and national level programs.

The Strength Training Component of our program is facilitated by Conker Fitness in Oakville and features progressive strength training program that specifically addresses the physical needs of the female athlete and nature of rugby. Emphasis is placed on the core muscles, posterior-chain, and lateral stability of the knee. Complex sport- specific lifts, like “The Clean” and “Overhead Squat”, will be taught through safe, monitored progressions.

This is the only program of its nature in Canada and is guaranteed to improve the performance, skills and knowledge of your daughter.

Our summer camps are a great way to reinforce current skill sets for young players with some experience or provide a fun learning opportunity for those that are new to the game. The sessions are for kids ages +8 to U14 and are comprised of an effective mix of skills and games in a ratio that our expert coaching staff has found to be conducive to a fun and productive experience.

At our weeklong camps, we strive to provide a rugby learning experience like no other. The top players and coaches in our area will be on-hand to provide quality instruction in skill development, strategies and tactics, decision-making, as well player awareness and self-development.

Our facilitators are experienced, reputable players and coaches at the varsity, provincial and national level that utilize current coaching techniques and our unique game-based approach to player development.

Our co-ed indoor touch rugby leagues are a fun and enjoyable way to keep fit in the winter months while working on some one’s skills in preparation for spring/summer rugby in Ontario.

All games are played at the first class, full-sized indoor Pine Glen Soccer Facility in Oakville. The league is open to all players from across Ontario that are able to make the drive to north-west Oakville.

Players can register as a team or individually. Teams range from all across the Burl Oak to Mississauga corridor and include local clubs, high schools and even university and college sides!

We have three leagues currently in place:

Under-14

Under-17

“Open” or Adult

Ultimately we want more people, young and old, playing rugby. Whether you are a new to the game or a wily veteran, there is an appropriate touch rugby league for you to play in and enjoy!