Rugby Sevens – This is a variation of rugby, where teams consist of seven players versus the typical 15 players, and matches are shorter. The game is internationally played with notable competitions like the Commonwealth Games and Rugby World Cup Sevens, and it will soon be making its debut in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The BC Rugby Youth Sevens Program is one that provides opportunities to young athletes by creating and delivering a development pathway so they will be equipped with the skills to compete internationally. This program is important to Adera as it allows these young athletes to achieve their maximum potential in the sport as well as becoming stronger, prouder Canadians. The teams are U 17 (under 17), ranging from 11 – 16 years, and believe us, these boys are tough! Don’t let their youthfulness fool you – these guys have an enormous level of passion, commitment, faith, team spirit, and tons of energy.
Highlights of the season:
Burnaby 7s: The Elite Youth 7s competed at the Youth Burnaby Lake Lighthouse Sevens and won all the games, including the championship game in the U 17 tournament. Not too shabby for a group of U 16s huh? The team took advantage of this opportunity as a final preparation for the 2011 Western Canada Summer Games in Kamloops.
Western Canada Summer Games: Day One of the Games turned out to be a successful day. In fact, the U 16 Men’s BC Elite Youth Sevens went undefeated, posting a 3 – 0 record!
BC U16 head coach Shane Thompson was very impressed with the development of each team member stating, “It’s very exciting to see these young athletes putting all the things together that we’ve worked on at practice into the games.”
After the three day tournament, the BC U16 Sevens team was undefeated, retaining their Western Canada Summer Games title. An absolutely amazing achievement by the youth athletes and Coach Shane Thompson couldn’t have been more ecstatic for his team. “The boys continued to improve right through to the last game today. I couldn’t be any happier with the way this team has supported each other and put the team before themselves.”
BC Elite Youth Sevens Las Vegas Tour:
We wish we could highlight each of the amazing young athletes but then we’d be profiling each member! From what we’ve heard though, there were a few standout athletes during the Las Vegas Tour in February 2011 that certainly got your attention and here’s one of them:
GOLD TEAM: Nathan Yanagiya had an exceptional tour and was used at multiple positions. At times he was asked to play prop, hooker and center. Nathan showed speed, power and an ability to beat the defender by either going around him or through him. Over all Nathan scored 7 tries to lead the team in scoring. Although Nathan showed some great individual skills I believe it was the teams’ selflessness that allowed Nathan to have such a great tournament. Imagine what he would be able to do next year when he is the same age as opposition.
You can learn more about the BC Rugby Youth Sevens program on the BC Rugby website at BCRugby.com and follow them on Twitter at @bcrugbyyouth7s and @bcrugbyunion.