Impacting Society and Uplifting Individuals: Our Mission Explained

Rugby is more than just a sport. It is a powerful tool to create positive change. It brings people together, teaches valuable life skills and fosters a strong sense of community and belonging. At RAA, we believe in the potential of rugby to impact society positively. In this blog post, we will explore our mission and how we aim to make a difference through the sport we love.

Why "Touch" Rugby?

We use touch rugby to work with communities because it is a safe, inclusive, and accessible sport that fosters essential life skills such as teamwork, discipline, respect, and communication. Other than "classic" rugby, "touch" is non-contact, making it suitable for all ages and abilities, encouraging participation without the risk of injury typically associated with contact sports. This inclusive environment breaks down gender and social barriers, promoting social cohesion and community development.

What has RAA been working on?

1. Building Character -- Playing touch rugby helps build character by teaching responsibility, mental toughness, resilience, and leadership through playing, coaching and managing teams. The culture of rugby emphasizes respect, discipline, and teamwork, which translates into life skills for youth and community member. Coaching roles further serve as leadership and personal development opportunities, helping individuals contribute positively to their communities.

   
   

2. Promoting inclusivity -- Touch rugby is for everyone. It does not matter your background, age, gender or ability. The sport welcomes all. This inclusivity is a core part of our mission. We strive to create opportunities for everyone to play and enjoy touch rugby. We actively encourage and promote women to succeed in touch - and in life.

   
   

3. Creating employment -- Touch rugby creates employment opportunities through coaching certifications. Coaching courses, such as Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, provide pathways for individuals to become qualified coaches, offering paid or voluntary coaching roles. These qualification help build credible coaching CVs and open doors for employment in sports and recreation sectors.
   

4. Overcoming adversity -- Touch rugby can help people overcome difficult times. We focus our work on groups and individuals who are marginalised and/or affected by health, mental, economic and other obstacles. We therefore reach audiences traditional sports organisations ignore.

RAA Programs

Youth Development Programs

Our youth programs focus on teaching young players the fundamentals of rugby. We provide coaching clinics, training sessions, and competitions. These programs help young athletes develop their skills while also learning important life lessons.

Community Engagement

We believe in giving back to the community. Our community engagement initiatives include organizing local tournaments and events, homeless visit, sports workshop and seminars. These events bring people together and promote a sense of belonging.

Rugby pathway

We provide rugby related course and certification to equip future employment and challenges.

Partnerships

To maximize our impact, we collaborate with various organizations. Here are some of our key partners:

Schools

Working with local schools allows us to introduce rugby to students. We provide coaching and equipment, making it easy for schools to start rugby programs. This partnership helps us reach young people who may not have access to the sport otherwise.

Health Organizations

We collaborate with health organizations to promote wellness. Together, we offer workshops and resources on physical and mental health. This partnership ensures that our players and their families have the support they need.

Local Businesses

Local businesses play a crucial role in our mission. They provide sponsorships and support for our events. This collaboration helps us fund our programs and reach more people in the community.

The Future of Rugby and Society

Rugby only open the door, team sport is the answer. We are exxcited about the potential impact team sports can bring to our society. Our mission is to continue expanding our programs and reach more individuals. We believe that every person deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport:

Expanding Our Reach

We aim to reach underserved communities. By providing access to rugby, we can help individuals develop skills and build confidence. Our goal is to create a network of players and supporters who share our vision.

Emphasizing Education

Education is a vital part of our mission. We want to teach players about the importance of teamwork, respect, and discipline. These lessons will serve them well on and off the field.

A Call to Action

As we continue our journey, we invite you to be part of our mission. Together, we can use rugby as a force for good. Let us work hand in hand to create a brighter future for all.

Volunteer

Volunteering is a great way to give back. We are always looking for coaches, mentors, and event organizers. Your time and skills can make a significant impact on our programs.

Donate

Financial support is crucial for our mission. Donations help us provide equipment, coaching, and resources to those in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a difference.

Spread the Word

Help us raise awareness about our mission. Share our story with friends and family. The more people know about the positive impact of rugby, the more support we can gather.

Rugby is more than just a game. It is a way to impact society positively. Join us in our mission to change lives through the sport we love. Together, we can make a difference.

RAA Founder Diana Li during a community engagement event