FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT

Amy Parrish 404-310-6559 Rhythm Communications

A Breath of Fresh ‘AYR’ with Atlanta Youth Rugby

Rugby ATL partners with AYR developmental program in metro Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA (Oct. 29, 2019) – Rugby ATL is proud to announce its alignment with Atlanta Youth Rugby (AYR) as the club’s youth development partner. The two organizations believe the youth pathway program is critical to the growth and success of rugby in Atlanta. As Atlanta’s newest professional sports team, Rugby ATL’s season kicks off on Feb. 9, 2020.

AYR has been developing Rugby for students in grades K-12 for more than six years with great success. The organization currently serves more than 2,500 students annually. AYR has six competitive programs, as well as community programs with nonprofit partners including The Ascent Project, WINGS for Kids, CAMP Best Friends, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools.

“Atlanta Youth Rugby provides metro Atlanta children new and exciting opportunities to grow through playing rugby,” said Anthony Forbes-Roberts, CEO of AYR. “In particular, we see rugby as a way to bring communities together through a new sport while improving health and wellness, education, and community cohesion. The partnership with Rugby ATL allows us to tap into the amazing talent of the players and expand awareness, interest, players and fans of rugby in Atlanta.”

Rugby ATL’s mission is to produce future players and staff that represent not only the greater Atlanta region but also on the international stage. Its core values introduce and influence crucial aspects of PACE – Personal development such as being Accountable, serving as beacons for Change, and understanding the importance of follow-through or Execution.

“It’s critically important from the top to the bottom of the Rugby ATL organization that we create meaningful and lasting relationships both on and off the field,” said Taylor. “We are eager to create positive relationships with our fellow rugby community which includes local rugby organizations like AYR.”

Coaches from Rugby ATL, 404 (Rugby ATL’s development team), and AYR are leveraging Pathway Content that includes the following:

• Principles of Rugby
• Core Skills
•  Individual/Position and Unit Specific Skills
•  Physical development
•  Strength & Power
•   Speed & Agility
•   Aerobic/Anaerobic conditioning
•   Flexibility
•   Off-field development
•   Nutrition & Hydration
•   Injury Prevention
•   Recovery
•   Sports PsychologyThe design of Rugby ATL’s youth development program is guided by core values that endeavor to influence and launch crucial aspects of a child’s personal development such as accountability, change creation and execution. The clubs are executing systematic and progressive educational initiatives to augment the personal, professional, and athletic growth of each individual. These programs will ensure that everyone is given an opportunity for consistent and long-term development.

  For more information or to attend a program, please visit www.RugbyATL.com. ###

  About Rugby ATL

  Rugby ATL, Atlanta’s newest professional sports team, is bringing the physical and fast-paced game of rugby to the Southeast during its inaugural season in February of 2020. Part of Major League Rugby (MLR), the team is committed to delivering on its mission of excellence day in and day out, on and off the field. Rugby ATL is building a solid foundation with premiere players and coaches and is supporting the on-field product with a fantastic game-day experience and fan engagement program. Playing in Marietta at Life University’s Lupo Family Field, the games are easily accessible via car. For more information and tickets, please visit Rugby ATL at www.rugbyatl.rugby to secure your seats to watch the toughest team in town.

  About Atlanta Youth Rugby (AYR)

  Atlanta Youth Rugby (AYR) aims to build character and athleticism through rugby while fostering sportsmanship and community in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment. Founded in 2013, AYR currently runs competitive tackle and flag & tag community programs that offer rugby training to boys and girls ages 5 – 18. Rugby requires constant reliance on your teammates – and constant movement – to succeed. This team spirit is rugby’s true magic and why the character the game instills is so strong.

  It is a tradition in rugby to host the visiting team for a meal after every match. Rugby is a shared ethos that breaks through social and economic barriers. AYR serves more than 2500 students each year with 85 percent of its participants Hispanic or African American, and more than 1500 in underserved communities. AYR’s nonprofit partners include The Ascent Project, WINGS for Kids, CAMP Best Friends, Boys & Girls Clubs, YMCA of Metro Atlanta and Atlanta Public Schools.