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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                                          Contact: Julie McCoy
May 20 , 2015                                                                                                                                                                                                  Phone: 501.993.6660 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Email: info@americanrugbypro.com

                                      American Rugby Pro Training Center Launches Play Up Campaign

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., The American Rugby Pro Training Center today launched a new campaign aimed at capturing the goals and spirit of the year-old training facility and elite rugby sevens development program. The Play Up campaign reflects the momentum of rugby growth in the country and comes off recent improved performances by the USA Eagles Sevens team—a feat which has shown American athlete’s potential to compete at the next level.  

As a USA Rugby Olympic Development Academy (ODA), ARPTC has served to prepare some of the nation’s best for the international stage, as well as send its residents and camp attendees back to their home clubs ready to bring up the level of play locally.  Finding success in both aspects, founder and Head Coach Julie 
McCoy launched Play Up to emphasize the program’s goals and future potential.

“Our work ethic and culture have always been focused on preparing our athletes to play up to their potential,” said McCoy. “And after the Men’s Eagles convincing win in London, Coach Friday reminded all of us in the rugby community of our call to action. In both the men’s and women’s games we’ve seen marked improvement, but continual growth is the goal and we’re excited to provide that at ARPTC.”  

The Play Up campaign was launched with a an exciting video that reads, “There is always a next level. In sport and in life. Improve your game to earn your spot. Play up to play on.”  Components of the campaign also include:

• Play Up is the primary focus of the ARPTC—to prepare athletes for the next step, whether that means returning to their club or heading to the national team. Either way, we'll send you away better, and ready to help your future teammates play up as well.
  
• Play Up expresses the work, both physical and mental, that we need to do to become better and get to 
  
• Play Up reminds us never to be satisfied—there will always be room to improve.
  
• Play Up becomes a part of a national goal. If each player and each team continue to Play Up, the USA 
  
• Plays Up on the international stage.
  
• Play Up is integral in all aspects of the program, including the apprentice coach program, which helps coaches Play Up, and in turn allows more of their athletes the opportunity to Play Up as well.
  
• Play Up improves upon the whole person, building exceptional character both on and off the field.
  

In the year since its first open training camp, the ARPTC training facility has hosted three successful high performance camps, sent several athletes on to further development with the USA Eagles Sevens National Team and is set to top out at 28 full-time residents this summer. ARPTC will also host its first Men’s High Performance Camp this coming June and McCoy expects to continue to increase opportunities for coaches through the Coach Apprentice Program during upcoming camps and year-round residency.

“We are working with a number of partners going forward to bring an intelligent approach and contribution to the sevens game and community,” said McCoy. “We have nearly filled all of our 16 female athlete spots for our summer touring season, and are looking to add 8-12 more men to the program. Our Rugby Dorm will be complete at the end of June, and we look to add another property in a few months. We continue to host teams for day camps and scrimmages, and are quickly becoming the nation's midsection premier sevens 

ARPTC is one of the few ODAs that offer a full-time environment for both men and women. Weekly trainings include four skill sessions, two team sessions and four strength and conditioning sessions per week, as well as frequent scrimmages and tours. 

Athletes and coached interested in learning more about the facility and program may contact info@americanrugbypro.com. 

About American Rugby Pro Training Center

The American Rugby Pro Training Center (ARPTC) is an official USA Rugby National Development Academy located in Little Rock, Arkansas.  ARPTC's goal is to progress the sport of rugby sevens by developing top performing male and female athletes through unique player-centric seminars, camps and residency programs. 

The organization is focused on preparing athletes to consistently perform at a high level by providing the means, support, and advocacy necessary to advance them to the international stage.