Explorers introduces young players to rugby through touch and rookie rugby in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. The focus is on participation, movement, confidence, teamwork, and enjoyment, with the ability to play at U6, U8 and U10 level.
Players develop fundamental athletic skills while learning the basics of rugby and becoming part of a team.
To join the Explorers, the players (or parents) do not require any previous experience and for most players, Explorers is their first introduction to rugby.
Our goal is simple: Help them fall in love with the game.
At a glance
- Season
- Winter & Spring (Jan–May)
- Age Bracket
- Grades K to 4. We teach touch (non-contact) rugby. Explorers will often train with the Crusaders but will not perform any person-to-person contact.
- Levels
- U6, U8 and U10
- Location
- Indoor (Jan-Feb) TBD; Outdoor (Mar-May) Commissioners Park, Naperville
Fees
$250 (less than $10 per session)
Includes
- Up to 30 Explorer training sessions (Winter indoor turf · Spring outdoor grass)
- Rookie Rugby Festivals (6–7 total)
- 1 x Explorers Training T-Shirt
- Rugby Illinois / USA Rugby Annual Membership
- USA Rugby Certified Coaches
- Awards Night fee included for player
- SportsEngine Communications App
- Field hire
Additional kit: Purchase of base kit including Explorers shorts, socks & hoodie ($109.99 excl. shipping) required. Additional kit options available but not mandatory for purchase (bag, T-shirts, ball, etc).
Kit ordering
Explorers Team Store
The Explorers store is coming soon. Contact us if you need kit guidance before ordering opens.
Required base kit: shorts, socks, and hoodie.
Timing: allow at least 4 weeks for delivery.
Team store coming soon
Ask About Explorers KitSeason Details
Winter Block
- Once a week (every Saturday, time TBD)
- Starts Jan 8, 2027 and finishes Feb 28, 2027
- TBD in Naperville
Spring Block
- Twice a week (every Tuesday and Thursday, 5pm to 6.30pm)
- Rookie Rugby Festival with touch rugby games every Sunday
- Starts April 1, 2027 and finishes May 28, 2027
- Commissioners Park, Naperville
Getting here
If our Explorers program is not practical due to travel distance, we are always happy to help connect families with another rugby club closer to home. A detailed schedule will be provided as soon as you register, with all communication provided by SportsEngine.
Explorers in action
