Executive Summary

Up to 75% of kids drop out of sports by the time they are 13 years of age and only 15% of
teenagers exercise enough to be physically fit.
http://www.sport4lifecochrane.com/physicalliteracy

Studies have shown, the primary reason children drop out of sports is they are not having FUN.

Additional causes for children to quit sports include:
An overemphasis on winning by the parents and/or the coache;
The coach or parent yelled at the child for making a mistake;
The verbal abuse associated with winning at all costs caused feelings of self-doubt;
The child perceived that his or her abilities were not good enough to play so they quit.
http://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0037/9955/Why_kids_play_sports.pdf

Bow Valley Rugby Club (BVRC) coaching philosophy for all age groups is game based with an emphasis on personal development and what we call ‘Fundamental Team Identity’.

Fundamental Team Identity covers our primary objectives, being Fun, sportsmanship, team work, respect and discipline, inclusivity and hard work.

BVRC has also committed to having no expectations placed on its’ players or coaching staff to win matches until U17 age grade levels. This allows our coaches to focus their activities around ‘FUN’, which we believe is the key to player retention.

With funding obtained through Alberta Gaming and Liquor, BVRC is able to provide its’ programs at a vastly reduced cost. This makes BVRC programs very affordable and more inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community.

Additional funding obtained through sponsorship from local businesses and fundraising events also enables BRVC to retain two part time members of staff, to look after the on field and off field activities of the Club.

The close relationship enjoyed with local schools has provided the platform for BVRC to transition players from school rugby to club rugby.