Youth Rugby
Chicago Lions Youth and Community Rugby
The Chicago Lions are one of the only rugby clubs in the USA to have a fully-integrated rugby program starting with Rookie Rugby (ages 4-10), and continuing through Middle School, High School and Senior Rugby for both Men (Division 1 and 2) and Women (Division 1).
In efforts to protect the minors in our organization and keep everyone in the club safe, we have constructed the new CLCA Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy.
Our Mission
Our Mission: Enable youth from diverse backgrounds to reach their full potential through rugby.
Our dedicated coaches are World Rugby Level 1 certified, and our Director of Youth Rugby is World Rugby Level 2 certified. All Chicago Lions staff continue their rugby education and certifications through World Rugby and complete annual SafeSport Courses.
Interested in joining our Youth Program? Reach out to us Today!
Chicago Lions Rugby 2025 Youth Spring Competitive Season
All practices are at the Lions for Hope Sports Complex 2637 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612
Rookies
(4-10 years old) $160 April 5th – May 31st
Practice Saturday mornings 8:00 – 9:30 am
Home Game 4/6
Away Games 4/13, 4/27, 5/3, 5/10, 5/18
Middle School
(5th – 8th grade) $360 April 1st – May 31st
Practice Tuesday & Thursday evenings 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Home Game 4/6
Away Games 4/13, 4/27, 5/3, 5/10, 5/18
High School
(9th – 12th Grade) $360 April 1st – May 31st
Girls
Practice Tuesday & Thursday evenings 5:30 – 7:00 pm
Home Games 4/5
Away Games 4/12, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11
Playoffs TBD
Championship 5/31
Boys
Practice Tuesday & Thursday evenings 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Home Games TBD
Away Games TBD
Playoffs TBD
Championship 5/31
How to Register
(1) Parents need to register on TeamSnap. This is for the Lions Youth Programs 2024/2025
(2) Parents need to register on Rugby Xployer for Rugby Illinois/USA Rugby This is an annual registration and must be done.
In the “Search by Club Name” Field – Select “Chicago Lions Rugby”. It will read “Illinois, Youth, and HS Council” In the subtitle.
• When asked who you would like to register, choose the participant or “Link a new person” and input your child’s information. Make sure to register your child as a “Player” when asked to select role and choose the duration for Chicago Lions Rugby: “Season”
• If you are registering multiple family members (even for various teams/roles), make sure to do them consecutively to get a family discount.
Please note that the Lions offer scholarships and multi-member family discount packages.
We never want anyone's financial situation to prevent them from participating in rugby. If you need assistance, please email youth@chicagolions.com for options.
Meet Our Coaches and Staff
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![Ahn Gallagher Director of Youth Rugby]()
Ahn Gallagher
Director of Youth Rugby
Youth Rugby Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Youth rugby is a modified version of rugby union tailored for children and teenagers. It emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and safety. Compared to adult rugby, rugby for youth features smaller teams, adjusted rules for young players, and a strong focus on player welfare and education.
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We offer a comprehensive youth rugby program that caters to various age groups ranging from 4-18 years old. To ensure age-appropriate competition, skill development, and a safe, enjoyable rugby experience, we've organized our Youth program into the following age/grade brackets:
Rookie Rugby (Co-ed)
Mini - Pre-K - Kindergardten
Minor 1st - 2nd Grade
Major 3rd - 4th Grade
Middle School (Co-ed)
Middle School Juniors 5-6th Grade
Middle School Seniors 7th-8th Grade
High School Girls
9th-12th Grade
High School Boys
9th-12th Grade
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Yes, rugby is considered a safe and rewarding sport for young athletes when conducted under the guidance of our dedicated coaching staff and within the framework of our youth rugby program. Safety is paramount, and we provide age-specific coaching and techniques to minimize injury risks. Our coaching team is well-trained to create a secure and enjoyable rugby environment.
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Young rugby players typically require basic gear, including cleats, a well-fitted mouthguard, and suitable sportswear. Some programs may provide jerseys and shorts as part of the registration fee. Depending on local regulations, protective headgear may also be recommended or allowed for added player safety.
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The frequency of practices and games varies by program and age group. Generally, youth rugby teams have structured practices once or twice a week, with games scheduled on weekends during the playing season. Specific training and game schedules are provided by each group individually.
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Need help enrolling your child in the Chicago Lions Youth Rugby program? No worries! To help, we've outlined how to complete the necessary registration. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out!
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We do offer scholarships, and multi-member family packaging is available. Please reach out to us in order to learn more!
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Youth rugby offers a wide range of transformative benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced teamwork and leadership skills, increased self-confidence, and the opportunity to build lasting friendships. Moreover, rugby instills essential values such as sportsmanship, respect, and discipline, contributing to the holistic development of young athletes.
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Parents play a vital role in nurturing the growth of youth rugby. There are various ways for parents to actively engage and contribute to the sport's success, including volunteering as coaches, team managers, or club administrators. Supporting your child's passion for rugby and attending their games also fosters a sense of community within the youth rugby family. Whether its with Rookie rugby or High School rugby., your involvement is instrumental in shaping the future of youth rugby and the development of these young athletes!
Rookie Rugby Touch Coed (4-10 Years Old)
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Rookie Rugby Touch Coed (4-10 Years Old)
Rookie Rugby focuses on the FUNdamentals of the game.
The Rookie Program has 3 levels. Mini (P-k & Kinder) Minors (1st & 2nd) & Majors (3rd & 4th).
All levels work on passing, catching, running forward with 2 hands on the ball, and kicking. All of this is done in age appropriate games and drills.
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Mini: Pre-K & K
Minor: 1 st & 2nd
Major: 3rd & 4th
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“K” - Pre K
Saturdays 8:00 – 9:30 am @ Lions for Hope Sports Complex
2637 W Polk St, Chicago, IL 60612
“Rookies” – Grades 1-3
Saturdays 8:00 – 9:30 am @ Lions for Hope Sports Complex
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Middle School Rugby Coed (5th-8th Grade)
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Middle School Rugby Coed (5th -8th grade)
Middle School focuses on Learning the game and starts to Develop the Player.
The Middle School Program has 2 levels. Jr Squad (5th & 6th grade) and Sr Squad (7th & 8th grade).
Both levels work on the basic skills of ball handling, decision-making, tackling, ball retention, and start to play as Forwards and Backs.
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Middle School Juniors 5th-6th Grade
Middle School Seniors 7th-8th Grade
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High School Rugby
High School Girls
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High School Girls Teams (9th – 12th grade)
High School focuses on Developing the Player and Developing Performance.
Our High School program is a pathway to playing rugby at higher levels. We are developing players that go on to play in college, on the Tornados (Illinois State Team), Thunderbirds (Regional Midwest Team), and on the USA Eagles (National Team).
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Yes! Our most recent graduates have gone on to the following universities and colleges:
The University of Illinois – Champagne Urbana
The University of Illinois
Northern Illinois University
The University of Louisville,
The University of Kansas,
The University of California at Berkley
Brown University
Dartmouth College
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High School Girls – Grades 9-12
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30-7pm @ Lions for Hope SC (2637 W Polk)
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High School Boys
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High School Boys Teams (9th – 12th grade)
High School focuses on Developing the Player and Developing Performance.
Our High School program is a pathway to playing rugby at higher levels. We are developing players that go on to play in college, on the Tornados (Illinois State Team), Thunderbirds (Regional Midwest Team), and on the USA Eagles (National Team).
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Yes! Our most recent graduates have gone on to the following universities and colleges:
The University of Illinois – Champagne Urbana
The University of Illinois
Northern Illinois University
The University of Louisville,
The University of Kansas,
The University of California at Berkley
Brown University
Dartmouth College
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High School Boys – Grades 9-12
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Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30-7pm @ Lions for Hope SC (2637 W Polk)
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History of the Lions’ Youth and Community Rugby Program
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In 2009, Chicago Hope Academy and Chicago Lions Rugby entered into a unique, mutually-beneficial partnership in ordered to further develop the sport of rugby in Chicago. This partnership has provided the Lions with a home field and clubhouse in the inner city of Chicago, while producing financial support and developing a rugby program for Hope Academy.
Lastly, the partnership has produced a safe and substantial location to develop all levels of rugby, from youth to Division 1.
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The Lions Community program is the brainchild of Lions’ Director of Rugby, Dave Clancy, and focused on using rugby as a vehicle for youth development and social change in the North Lawndale and East Garfield Park Community. The Lions hired Andy Rose as Director of Youth and Community Rugby in May 2018 and launch its first programs – an “Introduction to Rugby” course in North Lawndale Community Academy and Morton School of Excellence, unfortunately their festival had to be cancelled due to lightning but that was the beginning.
In 2018/2019 school year, the Lions Community program ran two after school programs as well a numerous camps and clinics with community parks and other non profit in the area – all of these programs, camps and clinics focused on introducing the sport and its ethos to the community members These programs were also provide an opportunity for healthy competition against the other programs.
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In August 2019, the Chicago Lions Rugby organization, established in 1964, joined forces to expand the Chicago Lions Youth Rugby Program to include middle school and rookie rugby. The merger is mutually beneficial and a pooling of resources will allow a complete pathway for its players focused on development and growth.
