The Rainier Highlanders Junior Rugby Club begins enrolling players for its new U15 program on Jan. 4 in Auburn.
“This season we have a real emphasis on trying to create a U15 team which is intended to become the future players for our older team in a few years,” said head coach Andy Ramsay.
The club, composed of players from Federal Way, Auburn, Bonney Lake, Sumner, Orting, Enumclaw, Buckley and Puyallup, hosts an informational meeting from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 4 at the Auburn Library so parents and prospective players can learn more about the sport and the club.
The club is also hosting a free-of-charge rookie player camp for new male and female players to acquaint them with the fundamentals of the game and the skills needed to play.
“The camp will be run by Rainier coaches and players who will make sure that the attendees are made to feel relaxed and have a fun time,” Ramsay said. “The camp will run so that the intensity and physical levels are very low so that the attendees can gain some confidence and not be overwhelmed.”
The camp is scheduled from 3:45 p.m.to 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13-14 at Auburn Memorial Stadium. Sign up or preregistration are not required.
Rainier Rugby practices start the week following, with boys scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Sunset Chev Stadium in Sumner, and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays at Auburn Memorial Stadium.
Girls will practice from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mondays at Auburn Memorial Stadium, and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays at Sunset Chev Stadium.
Also on tap for the club are scrimmages in February, including a trip to Beaverton, Ore. for a preseason jamboree.
Games begin in March, with boys playing on Saturdays and girls playing on Sundays.
The season ends in early May.
Membership fees, which include uniform shorts, socks and mouth guards, are $135. The organization also offers reduced and waived fees and payment plans.
“In 6 years of running the team we have never turned any kid away who wants to play because they couldn’t pay,” Ramsay said.
For more information, call Ramsay at 253-330-6816 or visit www.rainierjuniorrugby.com.
