Introduction – We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve re-upped  our partnership  with Girls Rugby to continue to bring flag-rugby, coupled with a positive core values and life skills curriculum, to girls grades 2 – 8.  The information below describes what the program is about, includes several links to additional information, and provides a registration link for the Spring, 2022 Girls ‘Flag’ Rugby program in Derry Township.    Pictures above are from the introductory clinic back in August as well as the Fall, 2021 season at Palmdale Park, Hershey.

Who – Open to girls in grades 2nd-8th (1st graders permitted on a case by case basis).

What – Instructional & recreational flag-rugby, coupled with a positive core values and life skills curriculum.  All Girls Rugby activity is non-contact using flag belts to replace tackling.  Additional information about the basics of the game, as well as the leadership and values-based curriculum, follow below.

Watch a video introduction to the sport from Girls Rugby’s co-founder and Chief Operating Officer, Erin Kennedy.

For a description of Girls Rugby Basics, Practices and Games and Coaches and Referees, hit the button below.

To learn more about the positive core values and life skills curriculum, please click the button below.

When & Where – Beginning March 29th – and running through May 22nd, 2022 there will be a full season in the Hershey Area at the Hershey Middle School, which includes 3 away games in Highspire.  The schedule and locations are as follows:

Practices & Game Dates*

Tuesday, March 29th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

Sunday, April 3rd – 2:00pm-4:00pm (Hershey home game)

Tuesday, April 5th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

April 10th – Highspire Memorial Field – 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Tuesday, April 12th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

April 17th – No Games – Easter Sunday

Tuesday, April 19th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

Sunday, April 24th – 2:00pm-4:00pm  (Hershey home game)

Tuesday, April 26th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

May 1st – Highspire Memorial Field – 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Tuesday, May 3rd – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

Sunday, May 8th – 2:00pm-4:00pm  (Hershey home game)

Tuesday, May 10th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

May 15th – Highspire Memorial Field – 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Tuesday, May 17th – 6:00pm-7:00pm 

Sunday, May 22nd – 2:00pm-4:00pm (Hershey Family Day)

Why – The data is clear, girls who participate in sports have higher self-esteem and confidence than girls who don’t. Yet, there are 4 million less girls participating in sports compared to boys in the United States.  We want to provide opportunities for more girls to get involved with sports.

How – Girls Rugby has recruited and trained an outstanding group of program coordinators, community champions, and volunteers to help them  deliver exceptional programming.  All coaches and officials are trained and certified in accord with USA Youth & High School Rugby practices and standards.  Girls Rugby will also be seeking Derry Township volunteers to to be trained and serve as coaches and officials.  If you’re interested in learning more about becoming a flag rugby coach and/or official, please click here.

Registration – You can register for the fall season below.

Costs – $180 – new players; $125 returning players

Registration deadline is March 25, 2022

Registration is $125, and each participant will need to purchase a player ‘kit’ @ $55, which includes:

         -Girls Rugby size 3 or 4 rugby ball based on age

         -two (2) jerseys, navy and white

         -one (1) pair of navy shorts

         -one (1) pair of Girls Rugby socks

         -Rugby Playbook

To register for the Spring, 2022 Derry Township Program, please click the button below.

Both Girls Rugby and JSF will make scholarship $$$ available for participants whose families are eligible for school-based free/reduced lunch programs or otherwise experiencing financial hardship.  Inquire at pennsylvania@girlsrugbyinc.com or info@joyofsportsfoundation.org.