If you’re driving or walking by Ronald McNair Middle School Football field located at 2033 Pulgas Avenue on Monday evenings you may notice young boys and girls running around the football field under the field lights. It would be natural to inquire, “Isn’t youth football season over by this time of the year?” The short answer is “Yes. Football season is over.” The football being played on Monday and Wednesday evenings is Rugby Football or rugby.

East Palo Alto Razorbacks Youth Rugby Football Club (RFC) began its fourth season last Monday, Dec. 3rd holding its first practice of the 2013 season at Ronald McNair Middle School football field. Returning players and curious players gathered on the field to play games and run exercises that focus on introducing the sport of rugby.

For the uninitiated Monday’s practice was an opportunity to acquire a feel for the sport which allows anyone on the team to carry, kick, pass, and run with the ball. It was also an opportunity for parents who recently finished the fall season with youth football to transition to a complementary sport in rugby and to learn about rugby.

Ultimately EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC promotes positive growth in its youth players and life lessons through the sport of rugby.

Although EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC is only in its fourth season it has already experienced progress. Last summer the Middle School team and High School team won the Northern California Youth Rugby Association’s (NCYRA) 7s Championship tournament.

Also during the summer EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC along with the Rich May Foundation sent 20 High School players to Minnesota on a rugby tour. The tour included two games against the Minnesota All-Star rugby team and visits to local universities.

EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC is planning to build on last season’s success and expand its teams to field U8, U10, U12, Middle School, and High School. Youth rugby is played at ages as young as 6 but with no-contact until age 9. Youth rugby is open to both boys and girls.

This season EPA is reaching out to its neighbor community, Menlo Park's Belle Haven community to recruit new players.

EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC holds practices regularly on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Practice location is Ronald McNair Middle School football field at 2033 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto, CA.

If you are interested in joining EPA Razorbacks Youth RFC please call (650)257-0555 or email jrrazorbacks@gmail.com. Also there is a team page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/JrRazorbacks.