Rugby returns to Southwestern Fairfax County

The Youth Rugby Program is back at SYA!  Following a brief hiatus, SYA fielded U9 and U11 non-contact teams for the 2013 Summer 7s season and both yielded a tremendous amount of success!   Building on these successes and growing interest, SYA is increasing the number of teams and expanding at the U7 and U13 level so boys and girls, aged 5-13, will have a chance to participate in this fun summer sport!

Youth Rugby has been part of the Northern Virginia youth sports scene since 2000 and include other youth organizations in Northern Virginia such as: Chantilly Youth Association (CYA), Vienna Youth, Inc (VYI), Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC), Fairfax Police Youth Club (FPYC), Springfield Youth Association (SYA), Great Falls Rugby, Prince William Rugby Football Club (PWRFC) and a pair of clubs in Loudoun County.  All teams participate in the Rugby Virginia league.

Who plays rugby for SYA?
Champions, regardless of what the final score says

Champions are defined by more than their ability to put points on the board.  True champions demonstrate extraordinary service in the sports community while modeling the basic traits of good character—trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Winning is great, but these are the attributes I strive our kids to achieve.

Congratulations to Denielle for her selection as a 2013 Sully District Champion of Character by the Fairfax County Athletic Council! She was nominated as a female athlete who always exemplifies superb sports character in youth sports.  

Here’s the story about just how great this kid is:

Denielle goes out of her way to be a good teammate, leading by example, and demonstrating proper sportsmanship on and off the field. Her positive attitude is an inspiration.  Whether we are winning or losing, you can count on Denielle’s smile to be there accompanied with encouragement for her teammates.  She makes her share of mistakes, but always responds with a cheery “Yes coach!” when given proper instruction.  She’s not the most talented, nor the most athletic player on the team, but she doesn’t care and her actions speak volumes that can outweigh the performance of others.

As far as sportsmanship, you’ll never hear her speak poorly of others and she is always willing to help.  During practices with younger age groups, Denielle willingly volunteers to assist and provides a positive example; the younger players benefit being around her, watching her closely and soaking it all in understanding that this is someone they can look up to.

Denielle surprised me at the beginning of the season.  Following the first practice, she came up to me with a smile on her face and thanked me for coaching her.  She repeated this action the following practice, and the next one, and the next one.  Kids like Denielle make coaching a rewarding experience.