The Red Deer Titans are making an effort to attract more athletes to play rugby this summer.
The organization recently announced they’re holding spring training sessions for their youth and senior teams on April 7, 14, and 28 from 12 to 2 p.m. at the MeGlobal Athletic Park in Lacombe.
It’s for players ages seven to 17 who are interested in playing rugby this upcoming season for their U11 to U18 teams. They’ll also have spring training sessions for their senior teams on those same days for players over 18.
The following age groups will have their own teams heading into the season including U5, U7, U9, U11, U13, U15, U16, U18, and senior.
“We’ve seen since COVID it’s been hard to get our numbers up and our registration has been a little lower in the last couple of years compared to before the pandemic,” said Club administrator Jula Lewis.
“We’re trying to just get the word out there and these spring trainings are for everyone. New players or experienced players it doesn’t matter. We’re looking for anyone who wants to try rugby.”
On April 27 from 12-3 p.m. at Titans Field, they also hold a youth Try Rugby event. Lewis explained the kids will learn the sport but will also learn about their culture, tour the clubhouse, and enjoy food and pop.
“It’s meant to introduce the community to our field and our clubhouse and what we do there,” she said. “If you’re a little too scared to come out to a spring training camp the Try Rugby event is perfect for someone who is brand new.”
Last season the senior women’s fielded two teams, one competitive and one non-competitive, but this year will be different. The Titans senior women’s team will be competitive but will not compete in the premier league.
On the senior men’s side, they were hoping to move up to Tier I this season but will continue to compete in the Calgary Rugby Union’s Tier II division.
In 2023 the senior men’s team finished the season with a 10-2 record and competed for the Southern Alberta Championship for the league title. However, with a berth to the provincial final on the line, they fell to the Bow Valley Grizzlies.
They and the rest of the Titans teams will begin their season in May. They’ll also host the local high school rugby games at Titans Field every Wednesday evening beginning in May.