Inaugural RWP tournament
Rugby with Purpose is committed to promoting and expanding girls' rugby in Northern California. An expression of gratitude to the clubs that participated in the first MSG 10s-style tournament for middle school girls' and U12 ALL girls: MSG participants included San Mateo Wolverines, Lamorinda, EPA Razorhawks, and Harlequins combined and Kaji. For the U12 participants, we assembled four girls' teams from clubs including Milpitas Mana, EPA Razorhawks, Broncos, Lamorinda, SFGG, and Wolverines.
EPA MSG
I've invested more of my rugby time into my city youth, my own people. Introduced myself to a young group of middle school girls; where it broadened my knowledge of the coaching world. I learned more about the importance of implementing healthy habits that's vital to their introduction to their teenage years. I struggled w finding the balance between setting high standards and fun; esp when I can see the raw joy of their innocent years. They reminded me of why I played rugby in the first place, but most importantly; I see myself in these girls! East Palo Alto is the where the largest population of Tongans in the nation reside, and my purpose was clear. To play for something bigger than yourself, and that's their culture and finding true identity.
Summer camp for the city
On June 16th, the mayor of East Palo Alto honored us with a proclamation recognizing us as the first youth team to reach Nationals and declaring June 16th as Women's in Rugby Day. We hosted a summer camp for the city, and it was successful. We welcomed coaches Tiffany Karamelli Faee, the head coach for Princeton University, a World Rugby USA captain, capped Samoa Fetuu League player, and coached Professional rugby; paired up with a young USA-capped player and Collegiate Nationals 7s MVP player, Telesi 'Uhatafe. Both talented women who not only came in to help with rugby but also to serve as representatives of our people at the highest level. It was important for the youth of EPA to see themselves in these coaches and to be motivated that them too can play at this level.
In addition to the summer camp, we added preparatory training for the EPA Razorhawks youth club, sending 4 sides to NAI7s: Middle school Boys and Girls, u16 Boys, and u18 High school Girls.
""My daughter isn't the timid girl anymore. She has gained so much confidence through her training and coaching from Lina."
Tui (parent)
"I can't say enough about the outstanding coaching I've received from Lina!!! My daughter has always been talented... but Lina implemented athletic trainings and a sense of focus that I've never seen in her. Lina does wonders when it comes to connecting players to their identity and background."
Pohahau (parent)