Shark Attack

Every now and then I come across a youth rugby club that sticks out to me and I'd like to know more of. But I also like to share information and in turn hope to help them grow even just a little bit. One day whole scrolling through Instagram i got a notification of a small youth club called CC sharks. Started to fallow and became intrigued with them. Central Coast Sharks sit south of San Luis Obispo  and north of Santa Barbara and participate under the Southern California Youth Rugby Union. 

LLR- Can you please introduce yourself and you position with cc sharks ?

FR- My name is Fernando Rojo and I am the head coach of the Central Coast Sharks Youth Rugby team.

LLR- A brief history of the creating and history of the sharks?

FR- The Sharks were created in 2011 by a former teammate, James Gentry. We both played for Arroyo Grande Rugby Club.

LLR- Can you please share where exactly the cc sharks are located in California?

FR- The Sharks are located in Santa Maria, CA.

LLR- What programs do you offer for those in the area who are interested in joining?

FR- We offer Rugby for several age groups. From u10s through u18. We have started to do Rugby clinics with the local rec and parks department to teach Rugby to new players.

LLR- How is recruitment done for the sharks in your area to help bring in new players?

FR- We do most of our recruitment through social media, emails and posting at local schools.

LLR- How many players are currently registered with the club?

FR- We currently have around 50 + registered players.

LLR- Are you or another member helping to introduce rugby into the local schools?

FR- In the past we offered rugby at local school in PE classes but it has been difficult recently because of the pandemic.

LLR- Thoughts on USA Rugby bid to host the women's and men's world cups, will they win the rights to both or one and how could this help impact youth participation numbers?

FR- I think it would be great if the US could host Rugby World Cups. It will be able to introduce rugby to new players and highlight a great sport. 

If you will like more information and fallow along the Sharks journey as the club grows over the years please fallow on Facebook and Instagram. 

FB: Central Coast Sharks Youth Rugby

IG: @ccsharksyouthrugby

I Thank Fernando very much for agreeing to this Q&A and I wish him and all those involved with the Sharks the best, hopefully soon in the future we will see a past Shark putting on a MLR jersey or getting their first test cap for USA!

*if you have a club you'd like to see a Q&A done with also please email or leave a comment and I will reach out to them as quickly as I can.