Organized sports can present challenges for various reasons. Young athletes and their families may face issues such as a lack of confidence, fear of not fitting in, and the financial costs associated with sports. A new rugby program in Selkirk aims to break down these barriers and provide a safe environment for everyone to learn and grow.
Doug Stevenson Jr. and Gord MacInnes started the Treaty 1 Maskwa Rugby Club last winter and have been gaining traction ever since. “Our goal is to teach respect, friendship, community involvement, rugby skills, and the importance of having fun while keeping it family-oriented,” said Stevenson Jr., who is the co-founder, vice president, and coach of Maskwa Rugby Club. “We want to provide guidance, help them build skills to learn the game, and allow them to set their own goals.”
In the Cree language, “Maskwa” means ‘Bear.’ In Indigenous culture, bears are seen as spiritual guides and symbols of strength. Stevenson Jr. believes that communities need strength, and having strong leaders fosters that strength. With Maskwa Rugby Club, he aims to guide youth toward becoming strong and successful in achieving their personal goals.
Stevenson Jr. and MacInnes both have impressive backgrounds in rugby, having played provincially for Manitoba, followed by stints in British Columbia and overseas. Now, as coaches, they believe rugby is a great sport for youth because of its culture and lower costs compared to sports like hockey and football, which Stevenson Jr. also played but didn’t enjoy as much.
Maskwa Rugby Club strives to keep costs low while ensuring athletes have insurance coverage through Rugby Manitoba and Rugby Canada. Currently, their regular flag rugby program costs $60, with the introduction to contact rugby priced at $140, both including insurance. They are also working on securing grants and sponsorships to sustain the program.
The club is hosting a series of Try Rugby Days at École Selkirk Junior High this month, with another event scheduled for April. Additionally, Stevenson Jr. is involved with the Lord Selkirk Royals rugby team, coached by Brad Hirst and Gord Dehn, who first introduced Stevenson Jr. to rugby at a young age.
Maskwa has partnered with MacDowell Rugby Academy, a similar program based in British Columbia. This partnership opens the possibility of travel tournaments. MacDowell has previously created opportunities for youth to play rugby in New Zealand and will be heading to Florida this year. Stevenson Jr. hopes that Maskwa players will have the opportunity to join these experiences as well.
Since starting with 33 youth in Winter 2024, Maskwa Rugby Club continues to grow and now offers programming for youth ages five to 19. They are preparing for upcoming summer programs to be held at the Selkirk Recreation Complex, including two weekly practices and jamborees every Saturday, where they will compete against other teams from around the province.
“One nine year old last year came back and said he was going to be a professional rugby player,” said Stevenson Jr. “He just fell in love with the sport, and that’s what makes me happy. I’ve had parents come toward me and state that they’re impressed because they tried every other sport for their child and it never really lasted in those other sports but they are eager to return to this sport because they like the environment. We don’t pressure. This environment is friendly, family orientated, and do what you can do and if you can’t we’ll try to help you reach your goals.”
For more information and to sign up, visit: rugbymb.ca
You can also email Doug Stevenson Jr. at MASKWARUGBY2024@outlook.com
