The mission of The 1964 Rugby Foundation is to establish rugby as a viable alternative sport in Northeast Ohio; and to promote the sport on the local, state,national and international levels by developing Northeast Ohio into a preeminent center for the sport by financially and strategically supporting the game at all levels.
| Category | Organizations & Programs Supported |
|---|---|
| Youth Programs | St. Francis School, Cleveland International School, Glenville Youth Rugby, Midwest Youth Rugby, St. Bonaventure Academy, Rookie Rugby |
| High School | Mayfield (B/G), Parma Pink Flamingos (G), Parma Black Hearts (B), Mentor (B/G), Avon Lake (B), Avon (B), West Shore (B), Lake Catholic (B), Benedictine (B), Rocky River (B), Brecksville-Broadview Hts, John Marshall (G) |
| College | Notre Dame College (M/W), Case Western Reserve University |
| Club Men’s | Cleveland Rovers, Cleveland Crusaders, Eastern Suburbs, Canton Rugby |
| Club Women’s | Cleveland Rugby Coalition 7’s |
| General & Events | Rock N Roll 7’s, National Youth 7s (2022), James P. Farmer Memorial Match, Cleveland Boys U-23, Cleveland Rugby Academy, Rugby Ohio, Ohio Rugby Invitational 7’s, Cleveland Beach Rugby (2022–2025) |
The 1964 Rugby Foundation was founded in 2004 as a 501(c)(3) charitable sports organization charged with the responsibility of supporting and growing the great sport of rugby in northeast Ohio. The Foundation is named for the year when rugby was founded in Cleveland by Dr. John Bergfeld, the renowned Cleveland Clinic orthopedic surgeon. For years, Dr. Bergfeld served as the team physician for the Cleveland Browns. To date, the 1964 Rugby Foundation has donated over $115,000 to local; youth, high school, and adult rugby programs to support and grow the great sport of rugby in Northeast Ohio.
Over the years, The Foundation has increased its focus on creating community awareness of our mission, vision, and goals, and is emphasizing a grass-roots approach to broaden the base of players, fans and supporters. In 2014 the Foundation held Rugby Ball I to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of rugby in Cleveland. In 2021 we celebrated Rugby Ball II, and in 2026 we will celebrate Rugby Ball III. Now is the time to join us! Get involved in shaping the tradition of rugby in Cleveland, Ohio, for years to come!
Thank you for your support!
The 1964 Rugby Foundation partners with local rugby clubs and organizations to help grow and promote the sport of rugby in Northeast Ohio. To request funding for your club or organization, click on the request funding button.
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