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2007 Youth Rugby Since the summer of 2004 the Boston Irish Wolfhounds have run a Summer Youth Rugby Program. The program was primarily aimed at introducing the children of New England to rugby, and to provide them and their parents a greater understanding of the sport. A non-contact version of the game called American Flag Rugby is played which is similar to Flag Football. Unlike football where participation can be limited, American Flag Rugby allows each child regardless of age, gender, or physical condition the opportunity to run and pass the ball.
This version of rugby is designed specifically for the American child; no experience necessary, fully inclusive, and with a level of structure and discipline that Americans have come to expect from recreational sports. In this game, kids play a version of rugby where the defense removes the ball carrier’s Velcro flag instead of creating a tackle situation. The game is co-ed in four age groups ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade. The game develops as the players’ skill levels increase with the focus more on fun and rugby concepts. The summer youth rugby program starts after the fourth of July holiday weekend and it runs every Saturday morning for 7 weeks. Since its inception in 2003, the program has grown very quickly. In 2005, 50 kids took part, up from 12 in the initial year. 
2007 4th Annual Youth Rugby Program
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| Event: | Summer Youth Flag / Touch rugby |
| Location: | Irish Cultural Center, Canton |
| When: | Saturday mornings 9 - 10.30am from June 16th - August 4th |
| Who: | Boys & girls ages 5- 13 years |
| Cost | Approx $35 (includes a ball) |
Traditionally children of players from the city’s rugby clubs have made up the bulk of participants, however, this year children in 4 school districts will receive a booklet detailing the program.
The children range in age from 5-12, and the program is open to both boys and girls. Each participant receives a t-shirt, shorts and a mini rugby ball and refreshments are available every week.
Every spring, USA Rugby’s Regional Development Officer, Sean O’Leary (a former Wolfhounds President) runs a certification clinic for the coaches before the program starts. We have a ratio of 1 coach per 6 kids.
The program takes place in the ideal setting of the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton which is an about 15 miles from downtown Boston, which provides a secure setting for the program. Basically it is about children having fun and running with a ball. The major reason for our success to date is that it’s fun. "The kids just love it," says John O’Kelly, the founder of the program. Unlike some sports that kids participate in, American Flag Rugby gets every child actively involved. This is wildly attractive to kids who previously spent long days in an outfield or goal box. Everyone touches the ball in rugby and everyone can score points, kids of many ages can play together and skills required are inclusive of a wide range of athletic abilities.
The Boston Irish Wolfhounds are the largest men’s rugby club in New England. A very successful organization, the Wolfhounds were USA Rugby’s National Champions in 2003 and 2004, having qualified for the sweet 16 for 6 years in a row. Fielding 4 sides each week the Wolfhounds have an active social membership of over 400 people.
The club plays their home games at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, perhaps the finest rugby ground in the country. They take part in many local charities and have been very successful in promoting the game of rugby and the unique spirit and rapport of the game to an ever-increasing audience in New England.
The Boston Irish Wolfhounds Rugby Foundation is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization and all donations are fully tax deductible.
Rugby is the world’s 2nd largest team sport, with unions in 190 countries. The Rugby World Cup, which takes place every 4 years, is the world’s 3rd largest sporting event, behind the soccer World Cup and the Olympic games.
More information can be had from the following sources
Rugby Mag
Rugby Rugby
Boston Irish Wolfhounds
Youth Rugby in Boston www.bostonyouthrugby.com