NEW CLARK CITY — Days before flying to Hangzhou for the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series, the Philippine Volcanoes paused their high-intensity training to do something closer to the heart: connecting with Aeta youth in Capas, Tarlac.

On Sept. 13, in collaboration with the BCDA Group and the UK Maharlikans, the Volcanoes organized a rugby clinic at the Athletics Stadium in New Clark City as part of the program “Empowering Youth, Celebrating Heritage.” Now in its second year, the initiative has become a tradition of grounding the national team in the very communities they represent.

The day began with a lecture by UP Professor Florencia Imperial-Sebastian on the Ayta Ethnobotanical Center, followed by an introduction to rugby fundamentals led by the Volcanoes. Laughter, first passes, brave tackles, and wide smiles filled the field as more than 25 Aeta youth experienced the spirit of rugby firsthand.

Food packs, health kits, and clothing, donated by rugby teams from around the world, were also distributed to the participants, underscoring the global rugby community’s solidarity with the Philippines.

Although sidelined by illness on the day of the clinic, Volcanoes captain Kai Stroem made sure his support was felt.

“I may not have been able to join on the pitch, but I was fully behind this event. It was a well-run program, and you could see the impact it left on the kids. I believe this shouldn’t just happen once a year—because the joy and inspiration it brings to the youth lasts much longer,” Stroem said.

For Stroem, whose leadership has steered the Volcanoes to promotion into Division 1, initiatives like these give deeper meaning to their preparations: “It’s about more than sport. It’s about giving back, celebrating heritage, and showing the next generation that rugby is a place where they belong.”

When he kicks conversions, when he commands the field, he does it with a sense of service. For Stroem, wearing the captain’s armband isn’t just about strategy—it’s about responsibility: to teammates, to fans, to young Filipinos who see in him something they aspire to. He was central to the union’s recent victories, pushing the team forward with discipline, unity, and clarity.

The day’s program blended culture and sport in a way that left a lasting mark on the young participants. It began with a lecture by UP Professor Florencia Imperial-Sebastian, who introduced the youth to the Ayta Ethnobotanical Center and its lessons on heritage, history, and the wisdom of their ancestors.

From there, the spotlight shifted to the field, where the Volcanoes led a hands-on rugby clinic. The children learned to tackle basic drills, practice passing, try out scrums, and even leap for soaring high balls. But beyond technique, the session was filled with laughter, stumbles, and small triumphs—moments where the Volcanoes showed that teaching rugby was not just about skills, but about listening, encouraging, and sharing joy with the next generation.

The Volcanoes are now in China, set to compete in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series in Hangzhou on September 20–21. Filipino fans can cheer for the team and watch the games live here. Whether in training, competition, or community work, the Volcanoes continue to carry the same values: discipline, respect, unity, and pride in heritage.

The PRFU is the governing body for rugby in the Philippines. Since its establishment, its mission has been to grow rugby—through grassroots, regional, and national programs—and to foster not just champions, but citizens who carry the sport’s values: discipline, respect, teamwork.