Rugby Americas North (RAN) is proud to announce the launch of the YouthLeadership Academy, an innovative program designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders within the rugby community across North America and the Caribbean.
The RAN Youth Leadership Academy will provide youth rugby athletes ages16–18 with the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills that extend beyond the playing field. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on experience, participants will engage in a dynamic learning journey focused on leadership, business acumen, and program delivery – culminating in the design and implementation of a capstone project that addresses a specific need within their rugby community.
“The Youth LeadershipAcademy is an investment in the future of our game,” said Erin Kennedy, RAN’s RegionalDevelopment Manager. “By empowering our youth to lead with confidence, purpose, and vision, we’re not just shaping better rugby players, we’re shaping the future leaders who will carry our sport and our communities forward.”
Over the course of six months, participants will take part in online workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and leadership development modules including Understanding Leadership Styles, Communication & Team Dynamics, Project Management, Networking, and Measuring Impact. Each participant will design and implement a capstone project that creates real-world benefits for their rugby community – from growing local participation to improving access, inclusion, or visibility.
The program will launch in early 2026 and conclude in July 2026 with a graduation event and presentation of the participants’ projects, celebrating their achievements and showcasing their impact across the region.
RAN is seeking applications for interested participants to participate in the Academy in 2026 and seeking applications for mentors. More details on each of these applications is below.
PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
Who can apply: Rugby athletes aged 16–18 from a RAN member union/federation (inclusiveof full members, associate members, and RRDUs).
Requirements: Parental consent, Union approval, and endorsement through a signed MOU.
TIMELINE:
Applications Open: October 20 – November 30, 2025
Review & Interviews: December 2025 – January 2026
Program duration: February – July 2026 (culminating with graduation – location TBD)
Application link: Youth Leadership Academy Participant Application
MENTOR APPLICATION
RAN is also seeking mentors to support the program’s first cohort.Mentors will guide participants through the leadership curriculum and capstoneproject process while leading monthly learning sessions based on their areas of expertise.
Who can apply: Rugby administrators, coaches, educators, and leaders with experience in program development and management, leadership, and/or sport management.
TIMELINE:
Applications Open: October 20 – November 30, 2025
Review & Interviews: December 2025 – January 2026
Program duration: February – July 2026 (culminating with graduation – location TBD)
Application link: Youth Leadership Academy Mentor Application
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