Ann Arbor- The University of Michigan Rugby men and women’s programs and Washington D.C. Youth Rugby are excited to announce their partnership for the 2016 Penn Mutual Collegiate Rugby Championship. The ‘Share the Game’ initiative aims to send 70 local D.C. youth rugby players to the CRC event the weekend of June 4-5 at PPL Park in Philadelphia, PA, through ticket donations.

Washington D.C. Youth Rugby, the only youth program located in the district, started in 2004 with seven U-15 players. They have now grown to over 100 kids comprising seven boys and girls teams. The program continues their mission of serving underprivileged children in the Washington D.C. inner city to promote physical fitness and valuable life skills through the game of rugby.

Michigan men’s program returns to the CRC for the second year in a row and looks to build off their quarter-final appearance from 2014. The women’s program returns to the CRC for the second year in a row and will look to carry the momentum from a strong 4-2 showing last year into this year. Away from the field, U of M Rugby continues their strong tradition of community outreach through many pathways. Past work includes team blood drives, holiday Adopt-a-Family sponsorship, and participating in U of M’s From the Heart program to visit hospitalized children. Partnering with D.C. Youth Rugby allows the young players to attend the CRC in addition to receiving guidance on collegiate rugby and life at Michigan.

Individuals or organizations interested in helping U of M’s ‘Share the Game’ campaign can make a tax-deductible donation of $44 at this LINK (https://www.eventbrite.com/e/michigan-rugby-at-the-collegiate-rugby-championship-tickets-21603070365) for a two-day ticket for one player. Partnership updates can be found at mrugby.com as well as on Twitter (umrfc). Any questions can be directed to coach Brandon Sparks at sparksbr@umich.edu .