Our Causes

As a non-profit in the Philadelphia Area, it is a goal of Philadelphia Rugby to serve the community and give back in a variety of ways. We have a particular interest in supporting local causes that help girls and women take part in sports that encourage growth in leadership and self confidence. We also pair with organizations which respond to issues personally affecting members of our club as a way to support our teammates off the field as much as we support them on the field.

If there is a way we can partner with your cause or organization, please reach out to community@philadelphiarugby.org.

Current Causes and Upcoming Events

Tackle Transphobia

Several international governing bodies have recently enacted policies that ban trans women from playing in the women's game.  PRFC will NOT support any restriction or ban of trans women.  We believe that trans women are women and belong on the pitch, playing beside and against, cis-women. We implore the rugby community to speak out against this hateful maneuver which would deprive us of amazing and talented athletes and destroy the inclusiveness of the game. Rugby is for everyone, without exception. 

Follow our friends Rugby For All on instagram for more resources.

black lives matter

PRFC firmly stands with Black folx everywhere and against all forms of racism, bigotry, violence and hate. We recognize the inherited and lived trauma of people of color (POC) and we fully support the protest of any and all oppressive institutions. PRFC believes in respect, on and off the pitch, and equality, for everyone, everywhere. We vow to fight for all marginalized peoples, especially those of color, in this moment, and every moment hereafter until we are all on an equal playing field.  

Follow our Instagram story for ways to educate yourself and help end racism in America.

Previous Causes/Events

Delaware county coalition for prison reform

Delco CPR is an informal coalition made up of individuals and representatives from many social justice groups across the County. They aim to follow the leadership and guidance of people formerly incarcerated and to build power and relationships among members. PRFC held a brunch at Tavern on Broad to collect gently used and new bras and paperback books for individuals residing at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility. 

philabundance

Philabundance is the Delaware Valley’s largest hunger relief organization, acquiring, rescuing and distributing food to 90,000 people weekly in 9 counties in PA and NJ. PRFC collects non-perishable items from Annual Collegiate Clinic registrants.

pA Breast cancer coalition

PA Breast Cancer Coalition is a Pennsylvanian organization helping to find a cure for breast cancer now, so that our children don’t have to.  The PBCC contributes to local breast cancer researchers right here in Pennsylvania, emphasizes the importance of early detection, and provides resources and information to newly diagnosed individuals. 

The PBCC also works to enact legislation that ensures uninsured and underinsured individuals can receive free mammograms and treatment for breast cancer.

athlete ally

Athlete Ally believes that everyone should have equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports — regardless of your sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Their mission is to end the rampant homophobia and transphobia in sport and to activate the athletic community to exercise their leadership to champion LGBTQ equality.

american cancer society 

The American Cancer Society is on a mission to free the world from cancer. Until they do, they'll be funding and conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about prevention. All so you can live longer — and better. While wearing pink socks, PRFC collected for the ACS during a home game in October.

Out of the Darkness Community Walk

PRFC participated in a 4 mile walk along the Schuylkill River in support of suicide prevention. The team raised $2500 in support of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), an organization that invests in new research, creates educational programs, advocates for public policy, and supports survivors of suicide loss.

Cradles to Crayons

PRFC supported Cradles to Crayons, a multi-city organization that provides essential items that children in struggling families need to thrive at school and participate more fully in life. Volunteering in the C2C Giving Factory Warehouse, PRFC took part in hands-on processing of the donated goods, including the assembly of over 100 bags of school supplies and clothes and bundling of 450 books for over 200 children in need. C2C collects a wide range of goods for children of all ages with convenient drop-off locations throughout the Philadelphia-area.

HAVEN WOMEN

PRFC held a Friendsgiving at HAVEN Women, bringing our favorite dishes to share with homeless female, military veterans. HAVEN is a transitional housing program that provides a safe place for female Veterans to start over, as well as medical services, mental health and addiction counseling, and employment training to help residents work towards self-sufficiency.

Institute for the Development of African American Youth

PRFC collected over 90 articles of gently-used business casual clothing to benefit IDAAY at our Collegiate Clinic, in honor of Black History Month.

LOVE YOUR PARK

PRFC participated in Love Your Park Solo Clean-ups.  PRFC community members, including our friends, family, alumni, and partners, were encouraged to spend some time outdoors and help tackle trash in our local parks.