San Diego Old Aztec Athletic Club Youth Rugby is a non-profit, 501c3 youth rugby organization based in San Diego. Our entire effort is focused on educating and developing student athletes between the ages of 5 and 19 in all aspects of the sport of rugby.  We believe that through rugby, anyone, regardless of physical ability or past experience, can develop the skills necessary to excel on and off the field.

The Young Aztecs offer the following teams by age for both boys and girls

U8’s           Co-ed

U10’s         Co-ed

U12’s         Boys

U12’s         Girls

U14’s         Boys

U14’s         Girls

U16’s         Boys

U19’s         Girls

U19’s         Boys

We welcome anyone who has an interest in being part of a positive, fun and exciting club. Whether you are new to the sport or have played for years, we have an opportunity for you. All we ask is that you bring a positive attitude, a desire to learn, a willingness to work hard and respect for the people around you.

Is Rugby Safe? Rugby is played all over the world and enjoys one of the lowest injury rates of all major sports. The game of rugby is designed to reward speed, flexibility and technique rather than sheer force of contact. The rules are very specific as to how and when contact can be made. We offer touch and limited contact rugby for our younger players.

How good is the coaching and instruction? Our focus on the fundamentals, safety and camaraderie of the sport has attracted many of the best coaches from around the world. We have at least two coaches for each age group along with a number of visiting coaches who contribute to our program throughout the year.  You’ll learn from people who have grown up playing rugby as well as those who have played and coached on the collegiate level. From time to time, you’ll have access to current and past national and international champion players and coaches. The coaching is exceptional at every age level and it is all based on the basic principles of attitude, effort and respect. 

Is there more to the Young Aztecs than Rugby? Youth rugby is a life sport. It’s one of the few sports that can be played from childhood to well into your sixties.  Our philosophy is that youth rugby should be a foundation on which life skill are developed. Hard work, honesty, respect for yourself and others, a desire to help those around you and contribute to the community are some of the characteristics that help people excel in all aspects of life. We strive to demonstrate and develop these skills through everything we do. The Young Aztecs sponsor many activities throughout the year including BBQ’s, “fun” touch rugby matches in the summer to social events and community support outings that help us to give back to the local community.

I’m new to Rugby, how can I learn more about the game?  Rugby has a number of simple and unique rules. The following should help you get started.

Possession: Rugby is a game of possession, not yardage. Therefore coaching emphasizes passing the ball before being tackled as well as other skills aimed at having your “team” maintain possession rather than struggling ahead trying to gain a few more yards while the opponents entire team tries to drag you down.

No Blocking:  Most think a lack of blocking makes the game more dangerous, but the fact is it makes rugby safer because defenders are not being blindsided by some sprinting lineman hoping to open a hole in the defense (and in the defender!). In football space is created for a runner by brute force (blocking). In rugby space is created by guile and cunning (passing the ball and using misdirection). In Rugby, nearly all collisions between players is anticipated by both players, and therefore can be anticipated.

Tackling: Tacklers must wrap their arms when tackling. No rolling body block tackles aimed at an opponent's knees are allowed. Also, NO tackling is allowed above the shoulders. Also known as high tackling', it is strictly forbidden and quickly penalized if it occurs. This not only makes for safer play but for more effective

Finally:  Rugby is a legendary game that mixes strength, speed and agility. It is a game where players of every size and shape play an important role. 

Laws of the Game:  Looking for a comprehensive knowledge of the official rules and regulations of the game of Rugby? Follow the attached link for all the information you could ever need http://www.irb.com/lawregulations/index.html