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Only 1 in 3 kids have access to free or affordable team sports
Find out how Rugby LA is contributing to the solution to this growing epidemic.
Our Story
Founded in 2021 by Harrison Herndon, Rugby LA began as a way to revive dormant flag rugby programs in Los Angeles schools, and is now the largest flag rugby provider in the Western United States.
With support from the former Major League Rugby club in Los Angeles, Harrison assembled what his “dream team” of rugby leaders, forming Rugby LA’s founding board and sponsors. Early partnerships with USA Rugby, SoCal Youth Rugby, and After-School All Stars-Los Angeles provided the leverage needed to quickly establish as a committed partner in the "beyond the bell" sector.
Today, Rugby LA is the fastest-growing after-school rugby provider in the nation, with over 10,000 youth served in just five years.
Our Mission
To support the positive physical and mental fitness of Greater Los Angeles youth through the flag rugby.
Our Vision
By the 2031 Rugby World Cup in Los Angeles, every after-school program in Los Angeles County will have the capacity, resources, and support to include flag rugby in their youth programs.
Our guiding principles
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We value child safety.
We create environments where every young athlete feels protected and empowered. Our training, policies, and structure of our curriculum is designed to ensure our young athletes feel safe and supported on the pitch. Safety is the first and most important factor in all of our programs.
Empowering youth through collaboration and shared voices
Supporting and validating the voice of our young athletes contributes to building positive coach-youth relationships, personal confidence, and fostering a stronger sense of the personal contribution young people can make as adults.
Play becomes passion when fun leads the way
Good leaders find accomplishment in defeat, encourage youth to focus on achieving their personal best, and emphasizing the value of having fun regardless of the final score.
Connection transforms individual players into strong teams.
Whether it’s between a coach and athlete, fellow teammates, or how we interact with opposing teams, Rugby LA supports healthy relationships and respectful communication on and off the pitch.
Embracing the spirit of play
Rugby LA celebrates the diversity of our coaching and youth athlete rosters. We believe every young person deserves equitable access to sport, no matter their identity or life circumstance.
Breaking barriers for youth across Los Angeles
Rugby LA serves children and youth across Los Angeles County, with a focus on those in under-resourced communities that lack no/low-cost athletic prgramming. Our programs welcome every young person, regardless of background, gender, income level, or ability.
With 95% of our participants identifying as youth of color and 42% identifying as female, we are building pathways to participation where it is needed most.
Our A-Side Squad
Our leadership team and board are made up of educators, athletes, and community leaders who believe in the power of sport to change lives. Together, they guide Rugby LA’s mission, strategy, and growth, ensuring sustainability and impact for years to come.
Of Counsel, the Allison Law Firm (NV)
Director of Compliance, USA Rugby
Partner, Goehner Accountancy
Physical Education Instructor, Emerson Middle School (LAUSD)
Division Head, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles
Executive Recruiter, Athens Services
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Help a child discover their first team.
Kids who have opportunity to participate in team sports have a demonstrated increase in healthy relationships and personal confidence, and a reduction in obesity and social isolation. Your donation will expand our programs to serve thousands more Los Angeles County youth who are unable to afford or access team intramural sports.
