California Youth Rugby League

Since the big show case game in December there's been a youth movement , small but still, going through California to introduce rugby league to the young kids. Numbers have been small but feed back has been very positive and with more dates planned , as soon as this pandemic has cleared, CYRL will continue with their mini camps. I do believe there is a place for rugby League in this country and I will keep saying it. League can be a great tool not just for athletes looking for a 2nd sport but also for rugby Union players to play in there own "off season" and keep in shape. I was lucky to connect with Adrian Cooney, director of youth rugby, and be able to have some questions answered about the early development of the CYRL. Big things are coming ,Please enjoy!

LLR- Since the big show case game in December how has interest with the youth level been growing?

AC- The showcase between Los Angeles Mongrel and SF Savage provided a great platform to expose the game of Rugby League in California. We have had a great response from the Rugby community in regards to the thirteen man game.

LLR- Where has camps been set-up at around the state and how has turn out been this far?

AC- We held a youth clinic in Long beach at the end of 2019, It was a great experience for all the kids involved. We will be looking at building on this in 2020.

LLR- Will there be a youth league competition setup soon?

AC- We will be taking a different approach as the state is so large and we wish to involve as many kids as possible. The way we intend to provide an opportunity to play Rugby League is through more youth clinics which tie in with California Rugby Leagues events and to do our own California Youth Rugby League 9's competition for high school players. We are in talks with a number of clubs and schools about an event later in the year.

LLR- Is the focus on just boys or will there also be an attempt to get girls teams up running also?

AC- I have come on board with the USARL women's side to help get the adult women up and running, as for girls at this stage we wish to establish the boys youth side of the game then look to expand on that. We are always looking for new people to be involved in our organization so if someone was to come forward with a vision for the girls game in this state we would be on board with working with them.

LLR- Has there been much rugby union players coming out or is it mostly kids with no rugby experience at all showing up?

AC- The one clinic was a mixture of both. Moving forward we will be looking at giving footballers an offseason sport for their enjoyment and development.

LLR- For that parent who is looking to potentially sign up their child or that potential player who is thinking about giving Rugby League a try, what do you say to that person to get them to come out?

AC- Rugby League provides the opportunity to develop not only skills for on the field but skills we can take into life off the field. The collision provides kids with self confidence that they otherwise wouldn't get from other sports. Also the camaraderie of rugby league is something that is extremely unique and special. There are very few other sports where you have to work as a team non-stop for a full game.

LLR- How can people get in touch if they want to learn more information and how can players sign up?

AC- The best way is through instagram @californiayouthrugbyleague - We do most of our communication through there. 2020 will be a big year for us once this Corona Virus passes, so if anyone is considering it please jump onto the Instagram page and contact us to be involved.