K-12 PATHWAYS
MICR leverages the power of rugby to close the opportunity gap, create a relentlessly supportive community, and drive upward mobility for students living in underresourced communities. Our K-12 pathways engage students in middle and high school, providing community, support, and athletic, academic, and social-emotional development.
Scroll through the page to learn more about our K-12 Pathways, or click the links below!
Year-Round Middle and High School Rugby
-
Serving 350+ student-athletes playing for 13 teams across Memphis
Offering 1,100+ programming hours ranging from leadership workshops, games, practices, academic support, and outing trips to celebrate our student-athletes’ hard work
MICR provides, at no cost to the families, nutrition at every practice, game, and non-rugby events
Even when the season is over, MICR brings fitness, nutrition, sexual education, and career exploration workshops for all student-athletes interested
-
Sports are a powerful social and economic tool to fight systemic inequality and build a community of inclusion and belonging, often breaking educational, financial, and personal barriers
Forcing the community to deal with issues around gender, poverty, and social exclusion
Skills and lessons learned through sports can be applied to more than just the sport, such as problem-solving, teamwork, healthy communication, and respect
Rugby is a low-cost sport, where all you need is a pair of shorts, a shirt, a mouthguard, and cleats to play
You can play rugby on any patch of grass, no formal field set up needed
Rugby cares about body positivity and inclusivity by designing jersey sizes for all body types, encouraging everyone to try the sport
Being a globally recognized sport gives players access to communities all over the world, further fostering a sense of belonging for players, no matter where they are in the world
This is not just a sport for men and boys but a sport for women and girls expanding opportunity across genders
The city of Memphis has a poverty rate of 22.6%, and a child poverty rate of 36.3%.
Between 50%-100% of student-athletes at all our partner schools receive free/reduced lunches, indicating that families are 130% below or at the poverty line
Due to high poverty rates in historically marginalized areas, there is a lack of access to healthy food options, producing food deserts in our communities, such as North and South Memphis, Whitehaven, and Orange Mound
How We Do It?
It’s in our DNA
Our DNA is Relational, Responsive, and Relentless
Click one of the boxes below to learn more:
RELATIONAL
Being relational is how coaches create a safe space and begin to create healthy stress response patterns for their student-athletes. For all of us, learning, growing, and thriving depend on first being able to achieve healthy, resilient reactions to stress.
-
MICR launched a holistic rugby mentoring program under the leadership of Board Member and All-Time Leading Try Scorer for the USA Women's Eagles, Naya Tapper
The program supports students and alumni who pursue rugby after high school
Topics covered include fitness, nutrition, position-specific skills, navigating a PWI as a person of color, and balancing academics and athletics
12 MICR alumni had 1-on-1 meetings with US Olympians throughout their journey, learning from some of the best athletes in the country
-
51% of MICR staff (coaches and full-time) are Alumni (2025–2026)
Alumni staff are prioritized because they best understand MICR's values and purpose
This trend creates career opportunities for alumni to give back and help others, just as previous staff did for them
-
MICR is committed to investing in Memphis communities
Rugby programs are based in underresourced neighborhoods, partnering with schools and community organizations to meet the needs of players, alumni, families, and beyond
MICR's home field is currently under construction (anticipated grand opening Summer 2026), serving as an investment in neighborhood development and a safe space for Memphis youth
-
MICR’s Coach-in-Training program brings high school students to serve as ‘coaches in training’ for middle school teams
In 2025, MICR hired 8 High School Juniors/Seniors to develop their professional and leadership skills while getting paid to do it
“Rugby helped me feel good about myself and be the version of myself that I don’t doubt all the time.” - MICR High School Player, Spring 2026
RESPONSIVE
All young people are different, so developing their core social, emotional, and behavioral skills means meeting them where they are as individuals. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, being responsive requires recognizing each player's unique needs and adapting accordingly to support their growth.
-
Through The Game teaches social-emotional learning that coaches can apply in both their personal lives and in developing their athletes
The program focuses on helping student-athletes regulate their emotions in everyday life
Everything is rooted in relationships
-
Community and school partners are essential to meeting the needs of our alumni, players, and their families
Coaches' presence in schools keeps them embedded in a support network, giving them insight into what players need — as athletes, students, and people
Partnerships with other organizations let us stay responsive to player needs, including:
A Step Ahead Foundation: delivers annual workshops for players and alumni
Memphis Rox: regularly hosts MICR teams for workshops and fitness sessions
-
Workshops develop key skills to guide students into adulthood, paired with new and enriching experiences that complement those skills
JULS serves as a crucial "bridge" from K-12 to alumni support, positively impacting retention, leadership, communication skills, and engagement
Students view the program as a special, earned experience — rewarded through attendance and performance in the classroom and on the field
In 2026, 100% of high school senior participants felt the program improved their relationships and leadership beyond rugby
-
MICR partners with Sylvamo and Memphis Rox to host college workshops for Juniors and Seniors, helping student-athletes navigate college and career paths, including trade school
Coaches dedicate 30 minutes of practice time, plus time during school lunches, to check grades, reinforcing academic support and accountability
“I love that they [MICR coaches] visit the kids at school! I see the visible difference that it makes for them to have someone who is invested in their life on and off the field.” - Educator at a partner school, Fall 2025
RELENTLESS
We understand that none of this work is easy, but we must be relentlessly consistent, as humanly possible, by being where we say we’ll be, taking accountability when we're wrong, and staying in the young person’s life for years.
-
Our rugby programs are open to all - regardless of players’ gender, skill level, athletic background, or resources.
Because our mission is to close the opportunity gap. No try-out accepting of all students at all our MICR teams
-
MICR provides free ride-share assistance to ensure every student-athlete can attend practices, games, workshops, and all-star opportunities
Transportation support is offered to all who need it, removing a common barrier facing student-athletes and their families
In 2024–2025, MICR invested over $50,000 in Uber and Lyft rides to support student-athlete transportation
-
MICR keeps its doors open to alumni, offering continued involvement through mentoring, coaching, day-to-day operations, or fundraising
The organization operates as a revolving door of opportunity, welcoming alumni back in whatever capacity fits them
Alumni benefit from MICR's network of partners as well, because the organization's connections become their connections
-
All-Star Opportunities aimed at elevating competition and bridging communities around the country
On October 9th, 2021, the 1st Inaugural Premier Rugby Sevens Championship was held in Memphis, TN, with a few of our Alumni rostered on multiple teams
URCs - Annual competition against other major urban rugby communities around the country, such as Chicago, Washington D.C., and New Orleans.
West Tennessee is a budding Rugby community where the majority of rugby players develop through MICR’s pathways
“Rugby means a community that is always there for you.” - MICR High School Player, Spring 2026
MEET THE Pathways
East Memphis Pathway
Based out of the East Memphis community! This is a pathway of trailblazers for MICR. The first MICR boys Rugby team was started here and continued to make a name for itself as the PCA Knights. This pathway has set the tone and is becoming a force in the youth rugby community.
South Memphis Pathway
Based out of the South City community! Rugby has been a long standing tradition within the Soulsville community. One of the founding youth teams in Memphis that started it all. There is a rich history between both the boys and girls’ team that continues through the success of this pathway.
Whitehaven Pathway
Based out of the Whitehaven community! Rugby has been a huge part of FPA culture as one of the few contact sports to be introduced at the high school level for girls and boys. The girls and boys team have a history of winning and now the new generation is looking to add to FPA’s legacy .
Meet the Freedom Prep Pathway
Coach KD
MICR and FPA Alum
Played D3 club Rugby at Bowdoin College
4th Season Coaching High School Rugby
Favorite Rugby Positions are Fly Half and Full Back
Favorite Pro team is the Irish Rugby Football Union
Coach Akayla
MICR and FPA Alum
Favorite Position Fly Half
2nd Season Coaching
Pursuing a Bachelor Degree in Sports and Leisure Management
Coach Eniyia
MICR and FPA Alum
Favorite Position 8 man
3rd season coaching
Freedom Prep Eagles Deep Dive
-
There are 33 rostered high school girls for the Fall 2025 7s season.
We are restarting our FPA boys program in Fall 2026, so stay tuned for more Eagle action.
In short, the Whitehaven pathway is positively affecting 33 children ranging from ages 12-18, and the hopes for more as we expand this pathway to middle school girls and boys, and high school boys.
-
We are all alumni of Freedom Preparatory High School, so we share similar values with the school we represent. We are a young coaching staff eager to be the best coaches for our players. We hold our players to a high standard, and come with the expectation that they can be not only high achieving players but students as well. We come from a culture of discipline, respect, accountability, teamwork, and fun. As coaches, we understand that we have a duty to instill lifelong values in our players that will support their growth into successful, thriving adults. We care, understand, and meet students where they are.
-
“Coach Akayla who is also a caring and funny coach brought joy to practices and games because having her as a coach and former teammate made me more comfortable.” FPA Player, Spring 2026
“My queennnnnn [Coach Eniyia], coaching style is more personal! As a young woman, she relates to us upcoming and new rugby players, and gives up tips both on and off the field” - FPA Player, Spring 2026
“I am forever grateful for the support, assistance, and guidance he [Coach KD] has gifted to me. He is more than a coach and has comforted me in some of my toughest moments, from wanting to quit, to being injured, he was always there. I believe he has played a very big part when it comes to the person I have become and who I will be in the future because I will always carry his words with me.” - FPA Player, Spring 2026
Meet the Soulsville Pathway
Coach Ethan
Soulsville HS Boys Coach since 2023
2023-2024 Coach of the Year
2x Urban Rugby Championship All-Stars Coach
Memphis Tiger Rugby Alum
Soulsville Pathway Coach
Coach Kavion
Soulsville HS Boys Coach since 2024
Soulsville Charter School Alum
Memphis Tiger Rugby Alum
Coach Savannah
Soulsville HS Girls Head Coach since 2022
2025-26 Coach of the Year
3x Urban Rugby Championship All-Stars coach
3x State Champion
Coach TJ
Soulsville HS Girls Coach since 2021
4x Urban Rugby Championship All-Stars coach
PCA HS Boys Inaugural Teammate
2022-2023 Coach of the Year
Soulsville Tornados Deep Dive
-
There are 26 High School boys and 16 High School girls for a total of 36 active players in the Fall 2025 7s season.
Additionally, we have middle school programs like Soulsville Middle and Bellevue Middle, who has been adopted to this pathway. In combination, we are serving 28 young student-athletes.
In short, the South Memphis pathway is positively affecting 64 children ranging from ages 12-18.
-
-
-
Meet the PCA Pathway
Coach Names
Soulsville Tornados Deep Dive
-
There are 26 High School boys and 16 High School girls for a total of 36 active players in the Fall 2025 7s season.
Additionally, we have middle school programs like Soulsville Middle and Bellevue Middle, who has been adopted to this pathway. In combination, we are serving 28 young student-athletes.
In short, the South Memphis pathway is positively affecting 64 children ranging from ages 12-18.
-
-
-
OUR IMPACT
350+ players per year —- 200+ high school students and 150+ middle school students
93% of players report that they believe playing rugby will increase their chances of attending college.
$0 cost to families — MICR covers all costs for participants, a per-season average of $1200 per high school player and $700 per middle school player
130% return on investment — Slingshot Memphis assessed that MICR creates $2.30 of poverty-fighting impact for every $1.00 invested
What Our Players Say
“Rugby pushes me to be resilient and a leader in all aspects of my life.”
“MICR provides amazing coaches and a good community of people to learn from.”
“Rugby means something more than a sport, it means family.”
“Rugby has improved my mental health and was a driving factor to maintain my grades and a motivation to get through the day.”
“My coaches do a good job of making every player feel accomplished while also giving constructive criticism.”
What MICR Parents and Guardians Say
“MICR is always supportive of the kids and I love that. My daughter was shy and in her shell before rugby. Teaming with MICR, she had made new friends and become more and more interactive with others.”
“MICR mentors and molds each child and helps each child reach their ultimate potential as well as holds them accountable for their growth in needed areas of their lives.”
“My son has done a complete 180. His confidence has grown and I am truly grateful.”
“MICR brings a sense of community and gives my son something positive to do to keep him out of trouble.”
“I appreciate how MICR provides transportation for students.”
“MICR does a great job providing opportunities for the athletes to connect to others who have walked in their cleats.”