Hounds Appoint Janet Kean as Imagine Rugby Coordinator

CHICAGO, IL- In an effort to increase youth rugby participation across Chicago and the greater midwest, the Chicago Hounds announced today the appointment of Janet Kean as their Imagine Rugby Coordinator.

Kean, a longtime presence in the Chicago rugby community, will work with Imagine Rugby to introduce the sport of rugby, as well as the Chicago Hounds brand, to youth across the midwest.

Imagine Rugby strives to make rugby available to the youth of North America by working in partnership with schools, recreation departments, nonprofits and MLR teams. Youth players learn leadership development, mentorship and healthy lifestyles through the power of sport.

Imagine Rugby is the 501c3 arm of MLR, working in partnership with USA Rugby and USA Youth & High School Rugby with support from World Rugby.

Imagine Rugby’s goal is to increase Youth Rugby participation in North America to 1 million active youth by 2030 in support of the 2031 and 2033 World Cups in the U.S.

Imagine Rugby is creating rugby pathways from children first learning about rugby in elementary school through playing professionally and representing their nation in international competitions. With a focus on providing opportunities for rugby at every level of experience, Imagine Rugby has partnered with USA Rugby and USA Youth and High School Rugby to re-launch Imagine Flag Rugby as an introductory program as well as grow the game at multiple levels. Imagine is also working with MLR franchises to develop High School Academy programs to develop elite athletes.