As I strolled across the dew-covered fields at Calgary Rugby Park last Thursday morning, the familiar sound of cleats digging into soft turf reminded me why this sport captures so many hearts. Twenty years covering Calgary sports, and rugby’s growth still manages to surprise me.
Two local figures have emerged as unlikely catalysts for rugby’s expansion across Canada. Jake Robinson and Mira Singh, both products of Calgary’s competitive club system, have transformed from players to pioneering developers of young talent.
“We never set out to change Canadian rugby,” Robinson told me as we watched a group of teenagers practicing tackles. “We just wanted kids in Calgary to experience what we did – that sense of belonging rugby creates.”
Their initiative, “Prairie Rugby Pathways,” began in 2019 as weekend clinics at local schools. Today, it operates in seventeen cities across four provinces, with over 3,000 youth participants annually.
The sport has historically struggled for mainstream attention in Canada. Hockey dominates winter headlines while football and soccer battle for summer coverage. Rugby often finds itself relegated to specialty sports pages or brief mentions during international competitions.
Calgary has proven surprisingly fertile ground for rugby development. The city boasts eleven active clubs and participation has increased 43% since 2018, according to Rugby Alberta statistics. This growth outpaces national averages by nearly double.
“Calgary’s sports culture is evolving,” explains Dr. Martin Chen, sports sociology professor at Mount Royal University. “Parents are seeking alternatives to traditional team sports, and rugby offers unique physical and social benefits.”
Singh, a former national team prospect whose career was cut short by injury, believes rugby provides something increasingly rare in youth sports.
“In what other sport can a kid who’s small but quick play alongside someone tall and powerful – with both being equally valuable?” she asks. “Rugby creates space for different body types and personalities.”
Their development model focuses on three principles: technical skill-building, physical literacy, and community connection. Weekly sessions incorporate traditional rugby drills alongside modified games designed to make complex concepts accessible to newcomers.
Robinson and Singh have partnered with Rugby Canada to integrate their methods into national development frameworks. Their approach emphasizes inclusion and accessibility – hallmarks often missing in performance-focused programs.
The duo faced initial resistance from traditional rugby circles. Critics questioned their credentials and unconventional teaching methods. Yet results speak volumes. Eight program graduates now compete at university level, with three receiving national development team invitations.
“Jake and Mira understand something fundamental about growing sports in Canada,” says William Thornton, Rugby Canada’s youth development director. “Kids need to fall in love with a game before they’ll commit to mastering it.”
Calgary’s unique position as a sports development hub shouldn’t be overlooked. The city’s combination of available facilities, supportive civic policies, and diverse population creates opportunities for innovation.
City councilor Priya Sharma notes that Calgary invested $3.4 million in multi-sport field infrastructure last year. “We’re seeing the dividends of that investment through programs like Prairie Rugby Pathways,” she explains.
The challenges remain substantial. Rugby competes for limited recreational dollars and field space. Canadian weather restricts outdoor playing seasons. And parents still harbor concerns about injury risks – though recent studies indicate rugby’s safety record compares favorably to football when proper techniques are taught early.
Having covered Calgary sports for nearly two decades, I’ve witnessed numerous development initiatives come and go. What distinguishes Robinson and Singh’s approach is their grassroots authenticity. They understand Calgary’s sporting landscape and the practical realities families face.
Last Saturday’s tournament at Glenmore Athletic Park showcased their impact. Twenty-four teams from across Alberta competed in age divisions from U10 to U18. The atmosphere resembled a community festival more than a competitive sporting event.
“Five years ago, we might have had eight teams here, mostly from established rugby families,” Robinson reflected. “Today, I’m meeting parents who’d never seen rugby before their kids joined our programs.”
The ripple effects extend beyond participation numbers. Local sporting goods retailers report rugby equipment sales have increased 27% since 2020. High school programs are expanding, with five Calgary schools adding rugby teams in the past three years.
Singh believes the sport offers something particularly valuable in today’s digital-dominated youth culture.
“Rugby requires physical presence and communication,” she explains. “Kids can’t hide behind screens on the pitch. They learn to communicate directly, to trust teammates physically, to manage fear and discomfort.”
The path forward isn’t without obstacles. Securing sustainable funding remains challenging. Competition from established sports intensifies annually. And the volunteer base rugby depends upon requires constant renewal.
Yet watching Robinson and Singh guide a practice session – patient with beginners, demanding of experienced players – I’m reminded why local sports development matters. They’re not just teaching rugby skills; they’re building community connections that transcend the playing field.
For Calgary, a city often defined by economic cycles and hockey headlines, this rugby renaissance represents something meaningful – a homegrown success story with national implications.
“We’re just getting started,” Robinson tells me as we wrap up our conversation. “Ten years from now, don’t be surprised if Canada’s rugby teams are filled with players who got their start right here on Calgary fields.”
As I drive away from the park, seeing kids with oddly-shaped balls tucked under arms, I suspect he might be right.
