MISSION STATEMENT
Jacksonville Wolverines strive to provide a positive, safe and inclusive environment for all high school age students in the Jacksonville and the surrounding area, to learn and grow through the sport of rugby. We believe that rugby is a great way to build character, teamwork and sportsmanship, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or ability. Our mission is to provide all students with the opportunity to participate in rugby, regardless of background, and prepare them to become leaders no matter what path they choose after high school.
CLUB HISTORY
The Jacksonville Wolverines began playing rugby in 2016 with only 10 players. Three years later, the program won the Florida Under 19's State Youth Rugby Championship and was ranked seventh in the Nation. Since that state title, the program has enjoyed continued rugby success with top state tournament placements and National rankings. However, rugby success is not the focus of the program. It is a by-product. Our program is designed to help our team members to get to the next level in life and prepare them for success.
ORGANIZATION
AARON CHURCH | HEAD COACH | FOUNDER
Aaron Church is the Head Coach and Co-Founder of the Jacksonville Wolverines. He is a World Rugby Level 2 Coach and has been coaching rugby for the last 13 years at all levels. He has over 20 years rugby playing experience in both national and international pro competition. He has coached the Wolverines for 8 years and they have been State Champions twice (2019 & 2020), State Runner's Up (2024) and State Semifinalists for 4 seasons.
Aaron is also a 10-year Decorated Combat veteran who has served in both the Navy and the Army. He currently has 20 years of government service, including government civilian work as a Visual and Graphic Designer. He also works as a Certified Personal Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Coach. Aaron has a BA Degree from Arkansas State University in Graphic Design and a degree in Military Science. He has certifications with ISSA (International Sports Science Association ) in Personal Training, Strength and Conditioning, Nutritionist and Master Trainer.
WHO WE ARE
- The Jacksonville Wolverines have two competitive rugby sides playing in the Florida Youth Rugby Union in the U16 and U19 Boys divisions.
- Based in Jacksonville, FL, our players are mainly from Duval, Clay and St. John's Counties.
- As the only competitive rugby program at this age group in North Florida, we have players from other regions such as Georgia, and as far south as Brevard County, FL.
- Our Coaching Staff, Board of Directors and Parent Volunteers are all non-paid volunteers.
- Our Coaching Staff are all certified and licensed with USA Rugby.
- The ONLY fee collected from players is the USA Rugby players registration, which covers player fees to FYRU and USA Rugby. This fee covers insurance from USA Rugby.
- If a player cannot afford that fee, the club pays that fee for the player through sponsorship and fundraising.
PROGRAM GOALS
- Develop individuals through rugby that are prepared to give back to the community and become leaders.
- Provide a safe environment to develop and grow while learning about rugby and life.
- Provide the skills and tools necessary to advance to the next level in life.
- Ensure all participants understand all available opportunities after high school.
- Provide guidance in selecting options during and after high school.
OUR COMMITMENT
The Jacksonville Wolverines board and coaches are committed to increasing the educational preparedness and cultural experiences for our players. Over the years, the program has a proven record of assisting our players with collegiate placement, military enlistment, workforce connections and other post program opportunities.
The board is committed to providing the tools necessary to prepare for these opportunities. Funding would allow us to acquire SAT/ACT preparation materials, hire tutors to assist with current school-work/prepare for entrance exams and provide counseling to those players that need additional direction.
Funding would also provide the players with an opportunity to travel to an out of state tournament. Many of our past players have not traveled beyond the Jacksonville area until joining the Wolverines. These experiences show our players a different part of the country and how they can better their community.
SUCCESS PROFILES
Tony Robinson | Iowa Central CC | NAZARETH UNIVERSITY
Local talented kid, who grew up in one of the most difficult and impoverished areas in Jacksonville. Saw opportunity in the sport of rugby and the Jacksonville Wolverines. Through his dedication, effort and belief in the program that believed in helping these young men; he was able to be the first in his family to go to college at Iowa Central. He also won a National Championship at Iowa Central. After completing his AA degree he is now in his senior year at Nazareth in NY on track to receive his Bachelors degree and was selected as a All-Collegiate Team player. He is predicted to be drafted into the pro rugby career next year.
SERVICE SELECTED
Along with the many student-athletes our program produces with a 98% college offer rate. We have the young men who choose a different path. And through our connection with the Armed Forces and Service Industry Leaders we have former rugby players finding success in serving our country. From Military Service to Public Service as a firefighter. We have seen the discipline and good character instilled in these men and influenced into their success in their Service Careers. With their coach being a 10-year combat veteran he is especially proud of these young men.
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES
- Club Website: https://www.jacksonvillewolverinesrfc.com
- Website Traffic: Average 200 Unique Visits per/mo & 350 Page Visits per/mo.
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonville_wolverines/
- Instagram Followers: 1770
PREMIUM LEVEL SPONSOR - $5,000+
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Top Banner Placement on Club Website.
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Sponsor Section on club website. Plus detailed description of your company/business/services with URL link back to your web site.
- Premium Advertorial on the club website and all social media platforms. Article will be promoted to top news article on website for minimum of 1 week.
- Team Photo at your place of business. Will include players and coach. Will be posted to club website and all social media platforms.
- Match Report Sponsored By Company Name posted on club website and social media.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Match Day Banners and May, 2025 Tournament Banners.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Team Training Shirts. (Note: Sponsorship must be secured by 3/1/25)
PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSOR $2,500+
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Club Sponsors section of all pages on website.
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Sponsor Section on club website. Plus detailed description of your company/business/services with URL link back to your web site.
- Advertorial on the club website and all social media platforms.
- Match Report Sponsored By Company Name posted on club website and social media.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Match Day Banners and May, 2025 Tournament Banners.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Team Training Shirts. (Note: Sponsorship must be secured by 3/1/25)
GOLD LEVEL SPONSOR $1000 +
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Club Sponsors section of all pages on website.
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Sponsor Section on club website. Plus detailed description of your company/business/services with URL link back to your web site.
- Match Report Sponsored By Company Name posted on club website and social media.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Match Day Banners and May, 2025 Tournament Banners.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Team Training Shirts. (Note: Sponsorship must be secured by 3/1/25)
SILVER LEVEL SPONSOR $500
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Club Sponsors section of all pages on website.
- Sponsor Name/Logo included in Sponsor Section on club website. Plus detailed description of your company/business/services with URL link back to your web site.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on May, 2025 Tournament Banners.
- Sponsor Name/Logo on Team Training Shirts. (Note: Sponsorship must be secured by 3/1/25)
PLAYER LEVEL SPONSOR $150 PER PLAYER
- Family or Business Name added to the Sponsor a Player section on Sponsors Section on club website.
- Note: This donation covers USAYHS Rugby Registration for one player. This includes insurance for one season, through USA Rugby, one pair of shorts, and travel expenses.
Have questions about our Sponsorship Packages, please contact: Tanya Castle-Pearce at (904)907-7915
Board Contacts
Aaron Church – Head Coach / Board Member (904) 571-5983 jacksonvilleyouthrugby@yahoo.com
Aaron Taylor – Board Member (631) 745-6875 ataylorny@yahoo.com