TRY: Tomorrow’s Rugby Youth Program Launched

“We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” -Mother Teresa

The Rugby Santa Program to collect used jerseys and rugby equipment for less fortunate players has undergone a metamorphosis into a scrumcap wearing forward. The program has been rebranded as TRY: Tomorrow’s Rugby Youth in an effort to shift the program to a year-round venture and do the most for youth rugby programs in need.

Started by Kevin Sullivan of Rucking Insurance, the program has brought in a who’s who of the American rugby landscape in support of the program.

The idea came about out of a need from a team local to Sullivan, the Oakland Warthogs. While working with Warthogs, Ryan Burke, a coach, mentioned how hard it was to get gear for his players, many of which were from economically disadvantaged homes. The t-shirts they were wearing to training would just get ripped up, adding to the challenges that the program already faced.

“I told Burke that I’d send over a few of my old jerseys. The conversation progressed to the thought that every player over 25 in America probably had 4 or 5 jerseys laying around, not rucking, in their closets,” said Kevin Sullivan of Rucking Insurance.

To that end, Sullivan reached out to fellow rugby enthusiasts to help spread the word and the Rugby Santa was born. Sensing something much bigger in store, it was inevitable that the program would expand to become a perpetual venture. After plenty of deliberation on the merits of going to a year-round endeavor, a decision was made to forgo the Rugby Santa and find a permanent name for the program.

Thus the TRY Program was born. Traci S., “The Girl” came up with the name for the program and Adam Kopp of Rugby Athletic went to action designing new logos and building the Facebook page. Then, one by one, each of the people involved began to put their own stamp on the program and its bright future.

“Rugby grants us many wonderful opportunities in life, and this is how I personally ended up in the USA, marrying the girl of my dreams. The friendships, life lessons, and camaraderie of this sport is unmatched. If we can give back to rugby by helping other passionate players then we can continue to spread the love of the game,” said former USA 7’s player Dallen Stanford of Paki’s Corner and Tackling Cancer.

Paki’s Corner is just one of many rugby sites to jump on board with TRY.

“I am involved in an exciting rugby non-profit called Tackling Cancer, which helps rugby teams raise necessary funds for their team, while benefiting cancer research at the same time. Through this foundation we are giving back to society, which is exactly why it is fantastic to be involved with the TRY donation program,” added Stanford.

The list of supporters of TRY includes:
Kevin Sullivan – www.ruckinginsurance.com
Dallen Stanford – www.pakiscorner.com
Wendy Young – www.scrumhalfconnection.com
Ted Hardy – www.rugbyamerica.org
Josh Young – www.rugbystrong.org
Chris Babiash – www.rugbyathletic.com
Ruckie the Moose – www.ruckiethemoose.com
Adam Kopp – www.madak.com
Paul Simko – www.agiantawakens.com

Donations can be sent to:
c/o Kevin Sullivan
1039 Scott St. #B
SF, CA 94115

The TRY Program remains nearly the same as when it was first conceived. The main focus is to bring in equipment for disadvantaged players. Rugby has a massive impact on the lives that it touches and can serve as a vehicle to spread a positive message in at-risk areas. Through TRY, everyone has a chance to support the spread of rugby through donations of equipment.

“ I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.” -Edward Everett Hale

“This program could not have come along at a better time”, said Rugby America’s Ted Hardy. “I couldn’t be more pleased to be a part of this great group of rugby people and try to give back just a little of what the game has given me.”

The TRY Program is looking for donations from the rugby community. Jerseys, shorts, balls, tackle bags, cones, boots, shirts, etc. are all in need. If you’re not using it anymore, then please consider donating it to TRY. TRY will then direct these items to youth teams across the United States.

“Rugby Athletic is very excited about being a part of this program. Helping Tomorrow’s Rugby Youth is very important in the growth of our sport. TRY is going to help a lot of youth start their rugby career on the right path. We look forward to seeing this grow and develop,” said Ruckie the Moose from www.ruckiethemoose.com .

It didn’t take long to see the rewards of the program as Sullivan has already begun to see an influx of equipment coming to his doorstep.

“The first jersey was from a guy who stumbled upon our link on twitter. The second box was from Canada! Canada! Then, Frank Merrill and the PCRFC donated two sets of jerseys, and the third box came from Chicago. And, it wasn’t just jerseys: Shorts, socks, boots, balls, shoulder pads, warm ups, and even spare cleats,” adds Sullivan.

While the Oakland Warthogs are the first team to receive the benefits of the TRY Program, there are many other programs across the nation in need of help. TRY is currently compiling a list of teams and areas that may be served by the program.

“The support feels great, and I know my office will be stacked with donation boxes. I’m speechless, which is difficult for a scrum-half/whiny flanker like me,” described Sullivan on the overwhelming positive support the program has already received.

The TRY Program is off to a fine start, but Sullivan already has his eyes set on the future of the program. Short-term goals for the program include filling the need for every team that asks and having donation barrels at every tournament and permanent pitch in the United States.

Down the road Sullivan is interested in obtaining 501(c)3 status and perhaps setting up a scholarship fund to aid disadvantaged rugby players that want to go onto college.

Not too shabby for a motley collection of rugby individuals, spread all across the nation, that came together in support of a common goal.

If you are involved with youth rugby in at-risk communities or areas, please contact us through any of the partnering supporters listed. To learn more about TRY you can visit our Facebook page. Become a fan, learn more about the program, and spread the word.

“Nobody made a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could only do a little.” -Edmund Burke