Fort Hunt Rugby is planning a long-weekend tour to Ottawa, Canada over the weekend of 17-18 July to attend a two-day U-16 tournament on 17-18 July. We have been invited by our mate and former Fort Hunt Rugby coach, Bobby Strawbridge.

The full dates are Friday, 16 July to Tuesday, 20 July.

Coach Dale Roach (contact info on the link at left) is leading the effort, and will be assisted by all Fort Hunt Rugby coaches and volunteer-parents.

As this is the first time we’ve done this, it is a work in progress. Keep checking this site for updates, and don’t hesistate to contact Dale for information.

More than anything, we need volunteers to help plan, organize, and execute this first-ever club event.

WHO?

Leadership

Coach Dale Roach is in charge of this tournament. Click here for his and other leaders’ contact info.

At least one more Fort Hunt Rugby leading coach will attend, likely John Dacey or Andy Vonada.

Players

This tour is open to all registered Fort Hunt Rugby players, age 14 and 15 (and some 16s).

Tour players must register with FHYAA Rugby and be registered with USA Rugby to go on this tour. Players do not have to participate in the summer season if they choose not to, but must register for FHYAA for insurance coverage and liability purposes.

As planning for this tour takes shape, and as the numbers become more clear, we may open this tour to a few of our rugby mates at SYC. Fort Hunt Rugby players will have preference and will take precedence.

Parents/Spectators

All parents who wish to attend are encouraged to do so, and to assist in planning and executing this tour.

Siblings

Minor siblings are welcome on this tour, but no Fort Hunt Rugby player will be responsible for any attending sibling. All siblings who attend the tour must be accompanied by a directly responsible parent or official adult guardian.

WHAT?

This will be the first-ever tour for Fort Hunt Rugby.

We propose a five-day trip to Ottawa, Canada to play in a two-day U-16 tournament, leaving early on Friday, 16 July and returning home late on Tuesday, 20 July.

The tournament will be a 15-a-side rugby tournament for U-16 (age 14-15) players. Play will be in accordance with International Rugby Board and Rugby Canada youth rules for U-16 play, and likely will be played under Rugby Canada U-17/Midi law variations.

We plan on taking a roster of approximately 25 players, who will participate in a minimum of four matches over two days (two per day). All players who attend will play, likely two matches minimum per player.

Monday, 19 July tentatively is planned for a local event (possibly whitewater rafting) and social with our hosts.

WHEN?

The dates are Friday, 16 July to Tuesday, 20 July.  The tournament is 17 and 18 July.

We propose to depart in privately owned vehicles early on the morning of Friday, 16 July, and drive straight through to Ottawa, Canada (approximately 9 hours).

Saturday and Sunday will be the tournament, with a minimum of two matches each day, more if we are winning.

Monday will be a free day, and we currently are planning a recreational activity, possibly whitewater rafting. This will be a moderate whitewater rafting trip, and is an optional event for all players and tourists.

We intend to return to Alexandria by the evening of Tuesday, 20 July.

WHERE?

This tour will take place in Ottawa, Canada. The exact place of the tournament is Twin Elm Rugby park outside Richmond, Ontario, Canada.

Lodging

We will lodge in student housing at Algonquin College in Ottawa.  Players will bunk togethere, two to a room.  Attending families/siblings also will bunk at the college, but will be separate from the touring team.

WHY?

Going on tour is one of the best things about being in a solid rugby program. All strong rugby programs incorporate a tour program, usually on a recurring basis (every 2-3 years).  A successful tour this year opens the door to tours in 2012, 2014, etc.  This is something that younger players can see take place, and something for them to look forward to as they grow and mature as young rugby players.

It also gives them a chance to get out and see the larger world of rugby, meet new mates in a different setting, and learn more about playing rugby and the global community of rugby.

You are playing your favorite sport, but at the same time are traveling to a new location, seeing and experiencing new things, and are meeting new rugby mates.

Ideally, we will meet other teams and invite them to visit us, and we can host touring teams in the future.

HOW?

More than anything, this will take parent-volunteer assistance. The Fort Hunt Rugby coaches have gone on tour before, and have experience with youth travel in Boy Scouting, so this is not necessarily a difficult undertaking.

There is paperwork to collect and keep track of, and also funds.

•      Permission slips (medical info, medication info and permission to administer, permission to allow      treatment for injuries) from parents
•      Notary Public-approved letter from parents approving the crossing of an international border with a non-related minor child
•      Passports
•      Full USA Rugby registration (CIPP)
•      Signed liability waiver and release

And of course, we will need drivers of vehicles to Canada and back.

There are many opportunities for assistance. All you have to do is ask.

Return to Fort Hunt Rugby home page.