What is iTRY?
iTry Rugby is a Schools Rugby programme organised to bring the game of Rugby Football to the youth of Nigeria.
We are a not-for-profit, volunteer administered, CAC registered, non-governmental organisation. We partner with like-minded corporate bodies and individuals who share our belief that Rugby can be a force for good in Nigeria by harnessing the potential that resides in Nigeria's young men and women.
NICK MALLET COACHES iTRY STUDENTS
How iTRY got started.
In 2010 the Nigerian Government withdrew from administering a number of sports including Rugby. Promasidor Nigeria answered the call for private sector support by aligning themselves with Youth Rugby, and iTry was born.
The blueprint for the programme was inspired by Fola Odetoyinbo and activities started in earnest in 2011. Fourteen coaches trained thirty-two schools in Lagos, and Toyibat emerged as inaugural winners of iTry Youth Rugby Championships in 2013 in the boys category, whilst runners-up were Onitolo. The Girls Champs were Tincan Island, and runners-up Ransome-Kuti.
Since then iTry has gone from strength to strength and in 2014 we rolled out in Kano with a further twelve schools and four community based teams, as we continue our vision of bringing Rugby to every corner of Nigeria.
The annual Youth Rugby Championships in Kano have grown enormously over the past three years and in Feb 2018 eight hundred boys and girls in 40 teams played out eight finals in front of VIPs and fans alike.
Why Youth Rugby?
The iTry Youth Rugby Programme — Building Futures Through Sport
The iTry Youth Rugby Programme in Kano delivers wide-ranging benefits to young people and the wider community.
At its heart, it provides thousands of boys and girls with a structured, safe environment to develop physical fitness, coordination, and overall health through an energetic and enjoyable team sport.
Rugby also instils vital life skills such as discipline, resilience, respect for rules, and teamwork — qualities that translate directly into success in school, family, and community life.
Importantly, rugby is a uniquely inclusive sport: children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities can find meaningful roles on the field. This fosters a sense of belonging, confidence, and mutual support. For girls in particular, participation in rugby helps to challenge stereotypes, creating new opportunities for empowerment, visibility, and leadership in a context where such chances are often limited.
Beyond the game itself, iTry provides positive alternatives to idleness, reducing risks associated with unemployment or social unrest. It also creates pathways for talented players to progress into higher levels of the sport — offering both inspiration and ambition for Nigeria’s youth.
Our Team
Martin Crawford martincrawford@me.com
