Yukon Rugby Federation Receives $11,500 Grant for Five-Year Strategic Plan

The Yukon Rugby Federation has been awarded $11,500 from the Yukon government's community development fund to support its five-year strategic plan aimed at increasing rugby participation across the territory. The federation plans to increase the number of local tournaments, create performance pathways for youth, and expand rugby into communities beyond Whitehorse. With the help of a consultant, the federation is developing a comprehensive strategy centred on programming and long-term player development. The goal is to cultivate an interest in the sport from an early age, strengthen the school-to-club pipeline, and explore opportunities for Yukon athletes to compete internationally.

Key Takeaways:

• The Yukon Rugby Federation has received a $11,500 grant from the Yukon government's community development fund to support its five-year strategic plan.
• The federation plans to increase local tournaments, create performance pathways for youth, and expand rugby into communities beyond Whitehorse, including Faro, Teslin, and Haines Junction.
• The federation is developing a comprehensive strategy centred on programming and long-term player development, including hiring a consultant to help with the plan.
• The rugby minis program, designed for children aged six to 12, has seen a five-fold increase in participation since the club re-established itself in 2023, growing from 10 to approximately 50 players per session.
• The club has also expanded adult participation, adding a third men's team and successfully filling two full women's rosters.
• The federation is exploring opportunities for Yukon athletes to compete internationally in rugby sevens tournaments in countries such as Fiji, Australia, and Portugal.
• The federation is strengthening its player pipeline by working with schools, introducing students to rugby during school hours, and encouraging them to join summer club teams.
• Coaches, often local teachers, are introducing students to rugby during school hours and encouraging them to join summer club teams.
• The federation has structured its coaching to support both school and club teams, where athletes receive consistent training year-round.
• The federation is working with local schools, including F.H. Collins Secondary and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary in Whitehorse, to develop rugby programs and encourage participation.
• The federation is also working with other communities, including Faro and Teslin, to establish rugby programs and expand participation.

Statistics:

• The rugby minis program has seen a 400% increase in participation since the club re-established itself in 2023.
• The club has grown from 10 to approximately 50 players per session.
• The federation has added a third men's team and successfully filled two full women's rosters.
• The federation is expected to compete in rugby sevens tournaments in countries such as Fiji, Australia, and Portugal.
• The federation has structured its coaching to support both school and club teams, where athletes receive consistent training year-round.

Sources:

• "Yukon Rugby Federation receives $11,500 grant for five-year strategic plan", Yukon News, Copyright 2025 Yukon News.