Grassroots development is the key to success as it engages and empowers communities, builds capacity, and encourages collaboration.

The Rugby Association of Maharashtra’s (RAM) "Get Into Rugby” program promotes Rugby in rural and tribal areas of Maharashtra. This program focuses on reaching out to rural / tribal regions, tier-2 cities, towns, villages and remote areas within the State to introduce the sport and create opportunity by providing access to training, competitions, and resources for participation. The program establishes competition and a pathway to excel and also serves as a platform for capacity building and talent identification, enabling continuity and progression for everyone involved.

Key Features:

• Get Into Rugby Activities: Introducing Rugby as a “Sport For All” to every age group, gender and ensuring inclusivity.
• Community Rugby Festivals: Hosting Rugby Festivals to involve and engage all stakeholders and the entire Community.
• Talent Identification Camps: Identifying and scouting talent to nurture and progress to competitive and elite rugby.
• Training & Education for Instructors, Coaches & Referees: Workshops, Seminars and Clinics to build a sustainable ecosystem through local capacity building.
• School & Youth Engagement: Explore various collaborations and leverage on Rugby’s inclusion in the Schools Games (under the aegis of the SGFI) and University Games (under the aegis of the AIU) to introduce the sport to a wider player base across the 36 districts of Maharashtra.

Tournaments and Events provide a platform for participation and competition which translates to learning discipline and perseverance, time and priority management, as well as a sense of achievement and goal attainment.

The Rugby Association of Maharashtra’s (RAM) "Maha Rugby Championships" are a series of tournaments that offer athletes at all levels the chance to participate and compete. Establishing a structured competition pathway helps build competitive spirit, showcases talent, and provides opportunities for athletes to excel. These skills and experiences gained on the field translate into lasting benefits in many aspects of daily life, contributing to personal growth and overall success.

Key Features:

• Local, District & State Events: Competitions at different levels across various age groups and categories for Men, Women & Boys, Girls.
• Youth Leagues: Focusing on inspiring and nurturing talent through age grade events at the Under-8, Under-11, Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 age-categories.
• Women’s Rugby Tournaments: Dedicated tournaments to promote and increase female participation and foster competitive growth.
• Inclusion-Based Tournaments: Encouraging marginalized groups to participate with scholarships and pathways into professional rugby.

Leadership and Empowerment are crucial in driving organizational success and involve creating an environment where everyone can thrive and succeed.

The Rugby Association of Maharashtra’s (RAM) "Youth Leadership in Rugby" program empowers young athletes by equipping them with leadership skills both on and off the field. Through workshops and mentorship, participants build self-confidence, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking and problem solving. Through partnerships and collaborations, the program also explores cross-cultural leadership exchange, which broadens the participants’ global leadership capabilities.

Key Features:

• Leadership Workshops: Focusing on public speaking, strategic thinking, and personal development with guidance from experienced professionals.
• Mentorship Program: Pairing young athletes with successful sport and business leaders for professional guidance.
• Cross-Cultural Leadership Exchange: Collaboration with other stakeholders within India and abroad to foster leadership, cultural exchange better understand diversity.
• SheTackles Initiative: A special program for empowering female athletes and promoting gender equality in Rugby.

“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire and unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand.” ~ Nelson Mandela

The Rugby Association of Maharashtra’s (RAM) “Rugby For Change” initiative uses the sport of Rugby and its Values for social transformation, addressing and tackling societal challenges like inclusion, equality, education and health. The program empowers marginalized communities and promotes inclusivity through rugby-based life skills training. The focus of the program is not just about the game itself, but the transformative impact it can have in the community and on young people - helping them unlock their full potential and drive positive change in their communities.

Key Features:

• Life Skills Training: Teaching critical life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and conflict resolution through rugby training.
• Gender Equality Workshops: Encouraging the participation of women and girls in rugby, especially from SC/ST communities.
• Health & Wellness Programs: Integrating health and wellness education into rugby training to promote physical and mental well-being.
• Educational Collaborations: Partnering with schools to provide holistic development by combining sports and education.