Seattle Vikings Rugby Club is on the lookout for new players in the Ballard area for the 2014 season. The club was founded in 1987 and has programs for boys and girls aged 7 to 18 years.
Since the club was founded they have developed an experienced coaching team which includes over ten volunteer coaches and an athletic trainer. Coaches work together with players to provide them with a fun and unique way to learn new skills and keep fit.
“We really want to connect with kids in Ballard about the sport of rugby,” said Craig Wicks, Director of Coaching, Seattle Vikings RFC (Rugby Football Club). “We see a real opportunity for rugby to grow here as a fun sport that celebrates diversity and fair play, and brings a real sense of community to players and their families.”
Interested athletes from across Seattle are invited to join the program where each year nearly 1/3 of players are new to the sport. Players also have the opportunity to compete at a very high level, this month four current Vikings, Matt Brennan (Shorecrest High School), Michael Doquilo (Shorecrest High School), Will Brennan (Shorecrest High School) and Finlay Bruce (Blanchet High School) will try out for the USA High School All American team with the opportunity to travel to the UK and abroad competing against some of the best youth teams in the world.
In late January the Vikings will also have six players representing the Washington state all-star team for the Las Vegas Sevens, featuring other teams from the US and abroad.
Practice for the new season starts January 11th and runs until May and teams compete against players from Bellevue, Bellingham, Olympia, Kent and other local cities. Practices are held at a first-class rugby field in Magnuson Park that was dedicated in 2009. The Vikings are coming off a successful year where they played matches against local teams and also toured Ireland and Wales in April.
According to The Vikings, rugby is one of the fastest growing sports for youth in the US, and will be included in the Olympics in 2016. “Youth rugby just continues to gather more momentum here in Seattle, last year we had over 100 boys and girls participate,” said Wicks. “In our younger age groups, ages 7-11 our numbers tripled from the previous year.”
To learn more about Seattle Vikings spring rugby season click here or email rugby@seattlevikings.com.
Photo courtesy of Seattle Vikings Rugby Club.
