USA RUGBY – Urban Rugby America (URA) is proud to announce its official launch, a groundbreaking organization on a mission to unite, empower and advance youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the US. [Lead photo: Sandra Velez-Lopez]
Urban Rugby America stands as a beacon of hope and unity in addressing the critical need for equitable access, opportunities, resources, and support in rugby for underrepresented, low-income populations in our country. Founded by leaders with over 50 years of collective experience in urban rugby development and organizational leadership, URA emerges as a catalyst for national, systemic and sustainable change. The URA will continue building on the early success of The Urban Rugby Championships, while creating new, transformative rugby experiences and providing pro-bono organizational consulting to a national network of organizations dedicated to leveraging rugby for social change.
“Our mission is clear: to unite, empower and advance youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the United States,” said Kevin Battle, one of URA’s founding members. “The constant uphill battle faced by these communities for equitable access to opportunities, resources and support is impossible to fight alone. URA is here to advance our common goals for the betterment of the kids who deserve it most.”
Photo: Sandra Velez-Lopez
Urban Rugby America was born out of necessity, driven by the pressing need to close long-standing gaps in both the sport of rugby and the broader social landscape. With a commitment to diversity, access, and the research-backed benefits of sport, URA aims to redefine the future of American rugby while fundamentally changing the opportunities available to youth in low-income communities.
In a significant step towards achieving this mission, Urban Rugby America is pleased to announce early partnerships with USA Youth & High School Rugby, Major League Rugby, and Imagine Rugby. These partnerships reflect the collective commitment to enhancing youth empowerment and inclusivity through rugby in under-resourced communities. The organization’s grassroots commitment to equity, collaboration and action exemplified by its inaugural event – the 1st Urban Rugby Championships in Memphis in 2022.
Photo: Sandra Velez-Lopez
This groundbreaking championship event served as a catalyst for URA’s formation, bringing together visionary leaders from America’s most impactful Urban Rugby programs. As URA continues to gather momentum, it seeks to amplify the voices of those striving for positive change through rugby, providing a platform for collaboration, support, and transformation.
Urban Rugby America is excited to usher in a new era of youth empowerment and inclusivity through rugby. For more information about URA and its mission, please visit www.urbanrugby.org or email admin@urbanrugby.org.
About Urban Rugby America
Urban Rugby America (URA) is a pioneering organization dedicated to uniting, empowering, and advancing youth rugby initiatives serving under-resourced communities across the United States. With a commitment to diversity, access, and the transformative power of sports, URA aims to reshape the future of American rugby while fundamentally changing the opportunities available to youth in low-income communities. Founded by experienced leaders in the field, URA provides critical support, catalytic financial investments, and transformative rugby experiences, all driven by the vision of creating positive social change through the sport of rugby.