A Breakthrough Year for the Board of Directors’ Youth Development Committee
Severna Park, MD — The Severn River Rugby Football Club Youth Development Committee (SRRFC-YDC) marked 2025 as a landmark year, expanding the club’s community presence and creating meaningful opportunities for youth players across Anne Arundel County. Guided by a dedicated team of current players, alumni, and volunteers, the committee delivered new initiatives that strengthened local rugby pathways and ignited excitement for the sport.
The SRRFC-YDC is led by members Andy Naylor, Cat Giordano, Jeff Donslear, Jenn Fenzel, Kerry Froh, Maria Russo, and Ruth Seerey, each of whom brings deep ties to both the club and youth rugby programs throughout the region.
A New Spring Tradition: The SR Youth Pitch Crew
One of the committee’s major achievements came during the spring season, when Andy Naylor launched the first-ever Severn River Youth Pitch Crew. Local youth players volunteered on match days to run water to SR athletes, deliver the kicking tee, and fuel the sidelines with energy and spirit.
By fall, the Pitch Crew was outfitted in bright neon green pinnies featuring the SR logo and “FIELD CREW” lettering, making them easily visible to referees and players. Beyond providing valuable on-field support, the initiative introduced families of youth athletes to the broader SRRFC community, strengthening future pipelines for the sport. The program quickly became a favorite among players, volunteers, and spectators alike.
Making an Impact at Maryland Rugby’s Summer Seven’s Tournament
At the end of July, the YDC took its outreach efforts to Maryland Rugby’s Youth Touch Sevens Tournament at Kinder Farm Park in Severna Park. With strong representation from SRRFC board of directors’ members Rachel Priddy, Jenn Fenzel, Kate Fitzgerald, and Ruth Seerey, as well as numerous club players—including Cat Giordano, Kerry Froh, Cullen Bilger, Mike “Butters” Gibson, Shay Hall and Maggie Riggin—the committee used the event to introduce families to SRRFC and promote the upcoming tackle clinic.
A rugby ball toss station and free raffle drew large crowds, with youth participants vying for SR gear prizes. More than 30 parents expressed interest in joining the club’s tackle clinic, demonstrating a growing appetite for expanded youth rugby opportunities. The YDC’s presence was described as “another big hit,” cementing SRRFC as a visible and welcoming force in the county.
A High-Quality August Tackle Clinic
In August, the committee hosted a half-day youth tackle clinic that offered hands-on instruction from some of Severn River’s most experienced players. Led by Kerry Froh, Cat Giordano, Andy Naylor, Maria Russo, and Jeff Donslear, with support from additional SR volunteers, the clinic ran from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. and featured six specialized stations:
Going into contact
Kick and chase
Full-contact tackling on the dummy
One-on-one tackling
Scrum sled demonstration
Ruck progression and technique
The event ran flawlessly, giving young athletes a safe, structured introduction to full-contact rugby and reinforcing the club’s commitment to responsible athlete development.
Youth Rugby Takes Center Stage at Alumni Weekend
Alumni Weekend in October brought another breakthrough moment: the inaugural “Beltway Battle,” a friendly girls’ 7s showcase organized by Kerry Froh and Cat Giordano. Middle and high school players from the Valkyries and Firebirds programs filled the SRRFC home pitch for an afternoon of fast-paced matches, supported by families, alumni, and club players.
Two standout athletes—Grayson Richburg (Firebirds) and Aurora Allen(Valkyries)—earned “Players of the Match” honors, each receiving a vintage SR jersey as a symbol of dedication and future promise.
Looking Ahead
The work of the Youth Development Committee has solidified Severn River RFC’s role as a hub for youth rugby in Anne Arundel County. Through hands-on clinics, community outreach, and strong player-to-youth engagement, the committee has laid the groundwork for a vibrant and sustainable youth pipeline.
With momentum continuing to build, SRRFC looks forward to expanding these initiatives and welcoming even more young athletes to the pitch in 2026.