What is iTRY?
iTry Rugby is a Schools Rugby programme organised to bring the game of Rugby Football to the youth of Nigeria.
We are a not-for-profit, volunteer administered, CAC registered, non-governmental organisation. We partner with like-minded corporate bodies and individuals who share our belief that Rugby can be a force for good in Nigeria by harnessing the potential that resides in Nigeria's young men and women.
NICK MALLET COACHES iTRY STUDENTS
How iTRY got started.
In 2010 the Nigerian Government withdrew from administering a number of sports including Rugby. Promasidor Nigeria answered the call for private sector support by aligning themselves with Youth Rugby, and iTry was born.
The blueprint for the programme was inspired by Fola Odetoyinbo and activities started in earnest in 2011. Fourteen coaches trained thirty-two schools in Lagos, and Toyibat emerged as inaugural winners of iTry Youth Rugby Championships in 2013 in the boys category, whilst runners-up were Onitolo. The Girls Champs were Tincan Island, and runners-up Ransome-Kuti.
Since then iTry has gone from strength to strength and in 2014 we rolled out in Kano with a further twelve schools and four community based teams, as we continue our vision of bringing Rugby to every corner of Nigeria.
The annual Youth Rugby Championships in Kano have grown enormously over the past three years and in Feb 2018 eight hundred boys and girls in 40 teams played out eight finals in front of VIPs and fans alike.
Why Youth Rugby?
Rugby is a team sport that embodies health, vitality, discipline, intelligence and teamwork, all of which make a model citizen. Rugby is also highly inclusive as it allows all physical shapes and sizes to excel. Big or small, short or tall, slow or fast, there is a position in the game just for you! This inclusivity teaches young people self-confidence and mutual respect - exactly what a young person needs.
Our Team
Jide Afolabi jide@itrynigeria.com
Martin Crawford martin@itrynigeria.com
Ade Adebisi ade@itrynigeria.com
