GRR: Youth
The number of youth and high school players and coaches in the USA rose in the 2023-24 cycle, and one wonders if that growth will increase in the next cycle.
Fueled in part by a return to the idea that going outside is good, and in part by more regions getting back to normal post-COVID, registrations rose 12% to over 50,000.
(This is an Op-Ed by Pat Clifton)—Wednesday, in front of a packed Stade de France, with both the clock and the USA’s medal hopes dwindling, Spiff Sedrick ripped off an impossible 95-meter run, somehow escaping the grasp of two Australians, who looked to have her dead to rights, to deliver the USA its first-ever medal in Rugby 7s.
Teamwork was the engine for Loudoun’s U14 championship at the National 7s Youth Rugby Championships, a performance that was a testament to the fact this unity and togetherness always … always … matters.
Repeating in any age grade tournament is never easy and this year's National Youth 7s Championship was no exception.
Panther Rugby repeated as the National Youth 7s Rugby U16 champions, beating Gorilla in the final.
In a back-and-forth final PRA saw Gorilla come back to tie the game at 19-19 late before Panther pulled away with a converted try to win it 26-19.