On a dew-covered field in Lethbridge, as dawn breaks over the prairies, Kirsten Reedyk and Katie Miyashiro are already lacing up their cleats. The rhythmic thud of rugby balls hitting practiced hands punctuates their conversation about strategy for this weekend’s match. What began as a shared passion between two friends has evolved into something much larger – a grassroots movement transforming southern Alberta’s rugby landscape.
“When we started, we couldn’t field a full women’s side,” says Reedyk, who first played competitively at the University of Lethbridge. “Now we’re turning people away from our development camps because they’re oversubscribed.”
This surge in participation reflects a broader trend across Canada, where rugby enrollment has increased 14% since 2019, according to Rugby Canada’s participation report. But the growth in southern Alberta has been particularly remarkable, outpacing national averages by nearly double.
Miyashiro attributes this success to their deliberate focus on community integration. “Rugby can seem intimidating if you’ve never played. We started going into schools with simplified versions – no tackling, just the joy of running with the ball and teamwork.”
Their approach differs from traditional recruitment models. Rather than targeting only athletic teenagers, they’ve created pathways for players of all ages and abilities. Their “Rugby for All” program, launched in 2021, introduced the sport to over 3,000 students across the Lethbridge School Division, many from communities that had never been exposed to rugby before.
The pair has also partnered with the Kainai Nation to establish Indigenous rugby programming, leading to the formation of the first predominantly Indigenous women’s team in the province. “It’s not about us bringing rugby to communities,” Reedyk emphasizes. “It’s about communities adapting rugby to reflect their values and traditions.”
The sport’s growth isn’t limited to participants. Local businesses have taken notice, with sponsorships for the Lethbridge Rugby Club increasing threefold in the past two years. The economic impact extends beyond direct investment – tournaments now bring hundreds of visitors to the region, filling hotels and restaurants during weekend matches.
“I remember when we’d travel four hours for a match, and maybe 10 people would be watching,” recalls Miyashiro. “Last weekend, we had over 300 spectators at our home field. Parents, grandparents, kids – it’s becoming a real community gathering.”
This transformation hasn’t come without challenges. Rugby infrastructure remains limited compared to more established sports. The women still struggle with field availability and have been advocating to the city council for dedicated facilities. Their persistence paid off last month when the council approved funding for southern Alberta’s first purpose-built rugby facility, scheduled to break ground next spring.
Their impact has caught the attention of national organizers. Jennifer Ross, Rugby Canada’s Development Director, points to the Lethbridge model as exemplary. “What Katie and Kirsten have accomplished shows how rural and smaller urban centers can become rugby strongholds. They’ve created a sustainable ecosystem that develops players, coaches, and referees simultaneously.”
I joined one of their Sunday afternoon sessions last month, where players ranging from 6 to 60 gathered for their community touch rugby program. The field was divided into sections, with different age groups running simplified versions of the game. Parents who had dropped off children soon found themselves being coaxed into joining smaller games on the sidelines.
“That’s how we get them,” Reedyk laughs. “They come to watch their kids, and next thing they know, they’re signing up for our adult beginners’ program.”
Their approach has yielded competitive results too. The Lethbridge women’s team reached provincial finals last season, while several players have been invited to national development camps. Miyashiro herself was recently appointed to the coaching staff for Alberta’s provincial team.
The ripple effects extend beyond southern Alberta. Smaller communities like Taber and Medicine Hat have started their own programs based on the Lethbridge model. “We’re not precious about our methods,” says Miyashiro. “We share everything we’ve learned with anyone who asks.”
What makes their story particularly compelling is how rugby has transformed the community beyond the pitch. Local schools report improved attendance on days when rugby programs are scheduled. The sport has created unexpected connections between different cultural communities, with newcomers to Canada finding social integration through the sport.
“Rugby gave me my first real Canadian friends,” says Amina Hassan, who moved from Somalia three years ago and now plays wing for the Lethbridge women’s side. “The physical nature of the sport breaks down barriers quickly. You tackle someone, help them up, and suddenly you’re connected.”
As Canadian sports organizations grapple with declining participation rates in traditional sports, the southern Alberta rugby experience offers valuable lessons about community engagement and inclusive programming. Their success demonstrates how traditional sports can reinvent themselves through community leadership and cultural adaptation.
For Reedyk and Miyashiro, the journey continues. They’re currently developing a coaching certification program specifically designed for rural communities, addressing the unique challenges faced by coaches outside major urban centers.
“We don’t see this as just about rugby,” Reedyk reflects as we watch young players practicing passes. “It’s about building community resilience through sport. When these kids tackle a problem together on the field, they’re learning how to tackle much bigger challenges off it.”
As the sun sets over the practice field, players linger, reluctant to leave. Some discuss strategy for upcoming matches, while others simply enjoy the camaraderie. In a region better known for its wheat fields than its rugby pitches, a sporting revolution is quietly unfolding – one pass, one tackle, one community connection at a time.
