Regent Park RFC - Community Rugby In Action
TIRF and the Regent Park RFC have worked together to develop a FREE flag rugby program that combines the excitement of rugby with a unique values-based curriculum focused on social-emotional learning. Regent Park RFC is a pilot project, funded by the City of Toronto, that provides practical governance training and hands-on learning to youth leaders from Regent Park, while employing high-school-aged youth from the neighbourhood to delivery Saturday flag rugby programming and leadership development. TIRF is proud to be able to support Ward 13 - Toronto Centre residents.
What is flag rugby?
Flag rugby is described as a non-contact version of rugby, commonly played by children and beginners as an introductory form of the sport. It offers a less physically intense way for participants to engage with rugby. Curriculum was co-developed by Rugby Canada and Rugby USA.
What is Regent Park RFC?
The program had a unique feature where 12 young people from or who identified with or live-in the Regent Park Community, were selected by five(5) members from the youth advisory committee, to be a part of program delivery and receive additional leadership workshops and training. The spring project culminated in Regent Park Rugby Fest, that took place inside the Regent Park Recreation Centre. This high level of involvement, engagement, and supporting emerging and established youth leadershas contributed to the program’s success, fun, and relevance. In the spring, Regent Park RFC saw more than 50 children taking part in a 5-week program, offering several time slots for each age group to provide age-grade specific skill building programming and inclusive playing environment.
This collaborative effort not only introduced the sport of rugby to children and youth, but also incorporated valuable life skills through the values-based curriculum. It's an excellent example of how sport programs can be used as a vehicle for character development and community engagement. So far, this initiative has had a positive impact on the physical, emotional, and social well-being of participants.
We are happy to announce that we will be offering a second round of the program this coming November 4th to December 9th, 2023.
This second season of Regent Park RFC focuses on younger players (Mini Ruggers and Lil Ruggers) while the personal and professional development programming for youth staff has added a mentorship component to compliment the leadership development. This youth employment opportunity is aimed at the economic empowerment of young people. Youth are being paid an hourly rate of $25 an hour. This rate is above Toronto's current living wage of $23.15 and Ontario's minimum wage of $16.55 per hour.
Do you know Someone Who Would be A Good Fit?
We're looking to build the new Regent Park RFC team. If you know a young person who would make a great fit, have them review the job posting and apply before midnight on October 21, 2023.
Want to Register Your Child to Attend?
We can't wait to meet you and your lil rugger or mini rugger! You can Register your child/children. If you have questions, please contact us.
Program Details
Date: November 4, to December 9, 2023
Time: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Sprucecourt Public School, 70 Spruce St, Toronto ON