Second “Rugby for Children” Mobility Visit Held
Last weekend, from November 19 to 21, the second Mobility Visit of the EU project “Rugby for Children” took place in Zagreb. The project is led by Rugby Club Dubrovnik as the main partner, with Rugby Club Zagreb, Rugby Club Ljubljana, Rugby Club Dragon Brno, and DSR Super Kid Zagreb as project partners.
The host of this Mobility Visit was Rugby Club Zagreb, and we extend our sincere thanks for their warm hospitality. The members of Rugby Club Zagreb welcomed their project partners at the club’s ground in Rudeš, which was being prepared for the match between RK Zagreb and RK Mladost, offering guests a real-life example of match organization and operations.
The meeting began with a tour of the club’s facilities and field, including explanations and demonstrations of how various areas are used for children’s rugby activities.
With its long rugby tradition, the club boasts a well-equipped infrastructure — separate male and female locker rooms, restrooms, a gym, a clubhouse with a kitchen and social area, and an outdoor fireplace. These facilities allow the club to conduct quality training sessions for all categories, especially youth, and to involve the broader community through various activities.
The program continued with a working meeting, where Marko Krpan from RK Zagreb presented the club’s structure, organization, funding methods, training system, and the challenges it faces. Over two hours of discussion, the partners exchanged experiences and identified common issues, making the meeting highly productive. Together, they developed a SWOT analysis of RK Zagreb and discussed ways to improve the current situation and strengthen the long-term sustainability of their clubs.
Partners also explored options for future cooperation to enhance education, mobility, and player development, motivating young athletes to remain involved in rugby — whether as players, coaches, or part of the club’s organizational and logistical framework. RK Zagreb continues to rely heavily on volunteer work and a strong sense of community.
It was concluded that for further growth of the club — and of Croatian rugby in general — greater media support, improved public visibility, and stronger engagement from the national rugby union and local authorities are essential.
After the meeting, the hosts prepared a communal lunch for all participants, followed by a friendly social gathering and attendance at the RK Zagreb vs. RK Mladost match.
Bab Šik!