via Lara Gill @ valkyriesrugby.org

In collaboration with the University of Minnesota Women’s Rugby Club, the Valkyries held an impressive clinic for local high school girls on Saturday April 17th, 2010.  The all-day  event, which began with an exciting scrimmage vs. the U of M, was attended by over 70 local high school rugby women and culminated with a BBQ and time to relax in the sunshine.

The three hour clinic introduced new rugby players to the basics of passing, team play, and tackling, while giving some of the more advanced players time to work on specifics with the coaching staff of over 15 U of M and Valkyrie players.

Sarah Reuter, the event’s organizer says that the event was a success because of

“the huge number of people from both the Valkyries and the U of M that were willing to step-up and teach the girls the drills and games we do everyday.  We have such a passion for rugby and so we were excited to pass that on the best we could.”

With the large turn-out and support, the teams now plan on making the spring clinic an annual event.  “Feedback about the clinic was very positive, so we are already planning on doing it next year”, said Marissa Stevens, president of the U of M club.  Rugby Fun in the Sun, as it was called, proved to be true as the weather was clear and in the mid 60’s all day.  Event planners say you can expect another high school clinic to roll around next year during the month of April.