Building Community Through Rugby

Toronto Inner-City Rugby Foundation (TIRF) is a rugby-centred community development organization that uses rugby as a tool for social good. TIRF, a registered non-profit founded in 2011, builds community through rugby in 31 of Toronto's underserved, low-income and priority neighbourhoods. Working in partnership with Rugby Canada; Rugby Ontario, nine Toronto rugby clubs; school boards and community service providers, TIRF reduces the financial, geographical, and cultural barriers that prevent children and youth from participating in the sport.

TIRF runs many programs to help build rugby and community. Proceeds from this fundraising will support three of these programs: Community Rugby Program, Academic Support & Scholarships, and Rising Stars.

• The Community Rugby Program provides children and youth the opportunity to play organized sport and develop physical literacy, social skills, and leadership skills through rugby demonstrations, house leagues and community festivals. The Community Rugby Program also offers employment and leadership development opportunities for older youth.

• The Academic Support & Scholarships program helps remove financial barrier to education, allowing young people the opportunity to achieve their post-secondary aspirations.

• The Rising Stars program builds a pathway to high performance rugby that allows talented youth who may not otherwise be aware or afford it an opportunity to chase their rugby dream, through the provision of high quality specialized training all year round; subsidies to play for regional, provincial, and national teams; and the establishment of a rugby and leadership tour.        

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This project develops amateur sport by building grassroots infrastructure that allows an entry point to sport for children and youth that would not otherwise have the opportunity to play.​