<< BackUSA Rugby hires Classic Eagle Mark Griffin for Youth Position(Click here)
One of Griffin’s first tasks will be to lead the development of State-Based
Rugby Organizations (SBROs) within the USA. Currently USA Rugby sanctions 14
SBROs nationwide at various stages of development, although there are more that
USA Rugby does not provide with support. USA Rugby has stated it a goal to grow
this number significantly by the end of 2009.
In addition, Griffin will combine his efforts with Play Rugby USA and his new
director position at USA Rugby to bring both programs closer. Mark has nearly
three years of experience running Play Rugby, Inc. and its Play Rugby USA Youth
Development Program in New York.
“It has been a fantastic learning process and one we continue to move forward,”
Griffin said. “The most important take-away from that for me has been the
importance of linking the development of the business model to the development
of youth programs and the game of rugby as a whole.”
USA Rugby’s youth efforts will be complemented in several ways by joining
forces with Play Rugby, Inc. USA Rugby strives to grow the game, increase the
base of talent and decrease the age of the players, while Play Rugby is focused
primarily on urban youth development by changing children’s lives through
after-school programming. If successful, bonding the two organizations, will
result in more kids playing rugby in areas that otherwise would not naturally
play the game.
“I have worked with Mark during the past 12 months and he is an obvious pick
for the role of Youth and High School Director. In addition to his work at Play
Rugby, he has worked on the USAR Youth Committee and his knowledge will enable
him to hit the ground running in 2009,” Melville said.
“I very much look forward to helping drive the growth in the youth and high school
game in America,” Griffin finished. “If everyone puts the youth and game
development first, we’ll be able to make some powerful progress in creating
growth, developing players and implementing high quality programs in addition
to creating sustainable systems, processes and businesses to support long-term
success.”
Griffin will start work at USA Rugby this week.
Please see Goff on Rugby: Wednesday Jan 7, 2009 in Off the Field USA Rugby www.erugbynews.com for more.
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