The Southern Nevada Scouts District, partnering with The Rugby Foundation, kickstarted their inaugural flag rugby initiative on June 4th as part of their Basecamp program. Approximately 40 boys and girls from all over southern Nevada and several parents played flag rugby for almost three hours, supported by many members of the local rugby women and men's clubs, helping with coaching and other logistics.
Phil Klevorick, CEO and Executive Director of The Rugby Foundation stated,"This is one of our biggest plans to grow the game globally is through strategic partnerships with organizations like the Scouts and we are proud to help in Las Vegas that includes roughly biweekly rugby programs at Basecamp. These free programs are all about encouraging participation, removing barriers and promoting better mental and physical health through the sport of rugby while building personal character values."
The Rugby Foundation's concept of integrating other activities with flag rugby has shown tremendous success including this past weekend where players rotated with a rope rescue and knot tying traditional scouting activity. Since our Scouts launch in Homestead Florida October 2021, TRF has supported many new programs with similar successful outcomes with discussions currently ongoing in 6 States to kickstart new rugby programs with existing scouting programs.
Todd Walter has also joined our Advisory Board with a primary focus on growing and connecting Scouts with our Flag Rugby programs. Todd has an extensive executive background in the Boy Scouts of America in several States and is currently assigned as the Executive Director for Southern Nevada. Todd also has 15 + years of rugby playtime...the stature of a pure hooker!
We are planning two free flag rugby programs a month all summer long for ALL boys and girls in the Las Vegas region to come out and play. Using physical activity to promote better mental health as well as interaction and other activities.
