Building on the success of its inaugural cohort, the program will once again empower young people across North America and the Caribbean to develop leadership skills and create meaningful change through rugby.
Rugby Americas North (RAN) is pleased to announce the return of the RAN Youth Leadership Academy (YLA) for 2027, following a successful inaugural program that brought together young rugby leaders and mentors from across the region.
Designed for rugby athletes ages 16–18, the Youth Leadership Academy provides young people with the opportunity to develop essential leadership skills that extend beyond the playing field. Through mentorship, education, and hands-on experience, participants take part in a dynamic learning journey focused on leadership, business acumen, and program delivery, culminating in the design and implementation of a capstone project addressing a specific need within their rugby community.
The inaugural 2026 cohort demonstrated the impact young people can have when given the tools, mentorship, and opportunity to lead. Participants developed and delivered projects within their own communities while building skills in leadership, communication, project management, budgeting, partnership development, storytelling, and more.
Feedback from the inaugural cohort highlighted the impact of the program. All six participants who completed the post-program survey gave the Academy the highest possible rating for their overall experience and said they would recommend the program to others. All six also reported that the Academy helped develop their leadership skills, increased their confidence in leading others, and taught them skills they can use beyond rugby.
“RAN YLA challenged me to see myself not just as an athlete, but as a leader who can create an impact. It showed me that rugby can be more than a sport, it can be a platform for leadership, community, and change.”
- Muna Oguchi, 2026 Youth Leadership Academy Participant
Mentorship remains a cornerstone of the Academy. Each participant is paired with an experienced mentor who provides one-on-one guidance throughout the program, helping them navigate challenges, apply what they learn, and turn their ideas into action. The inaugural mentors also reported a positive experience, with all six respondents saying they felt supported by RAN throughout the program.
“Rugby is growing across the globe and our youth have a massive part to play in it, both now as beneficiaries and also drivers of that change. This program demonstrated that our youth are driven and capable of achieving amazing things, and with a little guidance along the way to help bring their ideas to fruition, they can have a massive impact that extends beyond the pitch within their communities.”
- Lauryn Bons, 2026 Youth Leadership Academy Mentor
“The first year of the Youth Leadership Academy showed us exactly why investing in young leaders is so important,” said Erin Kennedy, RAN Regional Development Manager. “We watched participants take an idea, build a plan, work through challenges, and ultimately create something meaningful for their rugby communities. Just as importantly, we saw their confidence grow and relationships develop across our region. We are excited to build on that foundation and welcome the next group of young leaders and mentors in 2027.”
ABOUT THE 2027 YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Over the course of six-seven months, participants will take part in online workshops, one-on-one mentorship sessions, and leadership development modules covering topics including leadership styles, communication and team dynamics, project management, networking, budgeting, partnership development, storytelling, and measuring impact.
Each participant will also design and implement a capstone project that creates a real-world benefit for their rugby community, whether through growing local participation, improving access and inclusion, increasing visibility, or addressing another identified community need. The 2027 Academy will launch in early 2027 and conclude in July 2027 with a graduation event and presentations of the participants’ projects, celebrating their achievements and showcasing their impact across the region.
RAN is now accepting applications for both participants and mentors for the 2027 Youth Leadership Academy.
PARTICIPANT APPLICATION
Who can apply:
Rugby athletes ages 16–18 from a RAN Member Union/Federation
Important application requirements:
· All participant applications must be approved by the applicant’s home Rugby Union/Federation. Applicants are required to submit an endorsement letter from their Union/Federation as part of their application.
· Applicants should contact their home Rugby Union/Federation prior to submitting an application to ensure they have its support and can obtain the required endorsement letter.
· Parental/guardian consent is also required for participants under the age of 18.
· Successful participants will receive a small stipend for themselves and a small budget for their projects.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Review & Interviews: November 2026 – January 2027
Program Duration: February – July 2027
Participant Application (English)
Participant Application (Spanish)
MENTOR APPLICATION
RAN is also seeking mentors to support the 2027 cohort. Mentors will be paired with participants to provide guidance throughout the leadership curriculum and capstone project process and may contribute to learning sessions based on their areas of expertise. Mentors will receive a small stipend for their time and contributions to the program.
Who can apply:
Rugby administrators, coaches, referees, educators, medical professionals, and leaders with experience in program development and management, leadership, and/or sport management.
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Review & Interviews: November 2026 – January 2027
Program Duration: February – July 2027
Mentor Application (English)
Mentor Application (Spanish)
Young leaders are already helping shape the future of rugby throughout North America and the Caribbean. The RAN Youth Leadership Academy provides them with the skills, connections, mentorship, and platform to take that leadership even further.
Applications for both participants and mentors must be submitted by November 15, 2026.
For questions about the RAN Youth Leadership Academy, please contact Erin Kennedy at ekennedy@rugbyamericasnorth.com.
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