Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is looking to grow its youth rugby program.
FCPR has been offering rugby to children ages 8-14 since 2011, introducing young players to the sport through camps and limited-contact leagues.
This year, league coordinator James Parker is hoping to grow the program beyond its humble roots.
"The first year, we had 12 or 13 players sign up, and I think last year, we had about 20," Parker said.
Those numbers created a situation in which FCPR players had to travel to Raleigh and Chapel Hill to play against - and sometimes with - teams in those areas.
"We want to get enough players signed up here to cut down on the travel," Parker said.
FCPR offers touch rugby for young players. Older and more experienced players get introduced to contact rugby.
"It's a very controlled environment," Parker said.
Players can sign up at any recreation center before Feb. 1. Rugby is considered a non-traditional sport, so FCPR's zone requirements don't apply. Players won't need to show proof of address, but a birth certificate will is required.
For more information about the rugby program, contact Parker at 433-1392.
West Fayetteville Recreation will open registration for its Little League program Saturday.
West Fayetteville is the area's oldest charter Little League member, celebrating more than 40 years with the organization.
WFLL offers baseball and softball for children ages 3-18.
Parents can sign up their children at the West Fayetteville office located in the Douglas Byrd baseball and softball fields complex at 1616 Ireland Drive. The office will be open every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Feb. 22.
Other registration sessions will be held Feb. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. and March 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The registration fee is $20 for the first child in each family. Each additional sibling can sign up for $10.
Late registrations at an additional cost of $5 will be accepted after March 2.
For more information, contact the West Fayetteville office at 484-6140.