Attention all girls between the ages of 13 and 18. Are you interested in trying something new, making new friends and playing a true integrated team sport?

The Southwest Area Youth Rugby (SWARM) girls' rugby team is looking for new recruits for the upcoming high school fall season. You do not need to have prior rugby knowledge or experience to play the sport. Certified coaches will provide you instruction two days per week with games on weekends.

"The best part about the sport," explains head coach Sara Edwards, "Is that rugby accepts girls with all abilities. There are specific positions for big girls and small girls; fast girls and slow girls; tall girls and short girls."

Edwards began playing rugby eight years ago during her junior year at Chatfield Senior High School, and within eight months, she had earned a spot on the USA under 19 girls' rugby team. She was often carded in soccer for playing too aggressively and coaches looked down on her ferocity.

"I am competitive by nature. When I found out about rugby, I fell in love with the sport." And to her astonishment, there were no more talks about being "too aggressive." "When I quit soccer, I never looked back. I have seen the world by playing rugby, and I have made many friends along the way - something that never would have happened if I hadn't taken a risk to try something new."

Unsure of what exactly rugby is? No we don't play with sticks, and we don't wear skirts - that's lacrosse. Rugby is a competitive contact sport that involves an oval-shaped ball and consists of two teams of 15 players. The game comprises of running, passing (with your hands) and kicking. The only stoppages of play include half-time and infringements.

The origin of rugby is reputed to be an incident during a game of soccer in Rugby, England, in 1823, when William Webb-Ellis picked up the ball and ran with it. In fact, American football stemmed from rugby, and this international sport is played in more than 120 countries worldwide. In America, rugby is the fastest growing sport among high school girls.

Rugby not only teaches you the importance of working together as a team, but it teaches you life skills as well. If you attend any of the Jefferson County Schools and are interested in trying rugby, we would love to meet you. Contact Coach Sara Edwards at swarmrugby@msn.com. Visit us on the Web at www.swarmyouthrugby.com.