Making a Difference Through the Legion Community Foundation

Uniting San Diego: How the Legion Rugby Team is Making a Difference Through the Legion Community Foundation

San Diego, CA – Jan 2nd 2023: The San Diego Legion is redefining its role beyond the rugby field, leading a movement of positive change in youth sports throughout San Diego with its Legion Community Foundation. Esteemed for its dedication to community development, the Legion Community Foundation has introduced the "Imagine Rugby" program as its central initiative. This program is transforming physical education by incorporating flag rugby into the curriculums of schools throughout San Diego County. This initiative is not just about introducing the sport; it's a transformative journey for young athletes, emphasizing teamwork, respect, and discipline. The Legion Community Foundation is actively inviting schools, educators, and community members to participate in this innovative and enriching venture, which promises to positively shape the lives and futures of young individuals in the San Diego community.

Shaping Tomorrow's Champions: The Role of Rugby in Youth Empowerment

Since its inception in 2020, the Legion Community Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of countless young people in San Diego County. The Legion Community Foundation stands at the forefront of promoting education, health, and respect. Its mission is deeply rooted in fostering unity, igniting passion, and cultivating character among young individuals. By engaging in various philanthropic programs and social events and through the initiatives of the San Diego Legion Academy, the foundation is making a tangible difference in the lives of many.

The Legion Community Foundation achieves its mission through a variety of programs, including:

• Imagine Flag Rugby – Schools: LCF visits schools to implement the Imagine Flag Rugby program that provides free kits and training to teachers and students and a state-aligned rugby curriculum to be used in PE Classes.
• Legion Skills Clinics: These clinics offer elite coaching, mental fitness training, physical fitness sessions, and team-building exercises for youth players of all ages.
• San Diego Legion Academy: This academy provides a long-term, player-centered pathway for development, identification, and competition for aspiring rugby players.

Imagine Rugby: Transforming Physical Education for Young Athletes

Imagine Rugby, a national nonprofit and official charity of the MLR, is revolutionizing youth sports by integrating flag rugby into physical education curriculums and is the core focus of the Legion Community Foundation. This innovative program introduces the sport through flag rugby, a safer, non-contact version, making it accessible to children of all ages. It's not just about learning the game; Imagine Rugby emphasizes teamwork, respect, and discipline.

Professional rugby players lead the program, offering a unique and inspiring learning experience. Through this program, the Legion Community Foundation has reached over 25,000 students across more than 100 schools, while the Imagine program has eclipsed well over 600 schools nationwide.

Inspiring the Next Generation: Mikey Te'o Talks About Imagine Rugby

A testament to the foundation's impact is the success of the Imagine Rugby program in San Diego, spearheaded by the San Diego Legion players during the off-season. Mikey Te'o, a prominent player on the team, recently shared his enthusiasm for the program's achievements on social media:

"The Imagine Rugby program was led by our San Diego Legion players this off-season to introduce Flag Rugby to as many PE Teachers as possible within San Diego County. Our first school visit was on September 5th, and we have officially reached over 100+ schools in just 3 months. Over 25,000 students aged 4 to 18 years old spent their PE Class with a San Diego Legion Professional Rugby Player. Each PE teacher was left with 5 brand new balls and 30 Flags to continue Rugby in their curriculum. We hope to see as many of these new rugby players at our games this coming 2024 season," said Mikey Te'o.

Join San Diego's Rugby Movement: Be Part of the Change

The San Diego Legion Rugby team and the Legion Community Foundation invite the community to join hands in this noble cause. Your support can help extend the reach of these programs, ensuring that more young individuals benefit from the values and skills imparted through rugby and other community initiatives. It is crucial to emphasize that the Legion Community Foundation strives to offer every child in the San Diego area an opportunity to experience a new sport, regardless of their circumstances.

For more information about the Legion Community Foundation and how you can contribute, please visit https://sdlegioncommunity.com/.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO LEGION

The San Diego Legion is a professional rugby team based in San Diego, California. They are one of the founding members of Major League Rugby (MLR), the premier rugby union competition in North America. The San Diego Legion has been instrumental in championing the growth and popularity of rugby union throughout North America. The team is dedicated to rigorous training, strategic gameplay, community engagement, and a commitment to excellence on and off the field. The team is committed to growing the sport of rugby across the region and providing a top-tier experience for fans and players alike. The San Diego Legion prides itself on fostering a culture of teamwork, respect, and integrity.

ABOUT IMAGINE RUGBY

Imagine Rugby is dedicated to creating pathways in rugby for children, from their initial exposure in elementary school to potential professional play and international representation. In collaboration with USA Rugby, USA Youth, and High School Rugby, Imagine Rugby has revitalized Imagine Flag Rugby as an introductory program and is actively expanding the sport at various levels. Partnering with Major League Rugby (MLR) franchises, the organization also focuses on developing MLR Academy programs to nurture elite athletes. Central to Imagine Rugby's mission is the promotion of leadership, mentorship, and healthy lifestyles among youth, leveraging the transformative power of sport.