Pinay Youth Leader Joins Global Rugby Forum in UK

​by Mark Villamora

​Michaila Alsagon, a youth rugby coach and grassroots leader from Albay, is representing the Philippines at the Grassroots to Global (G2G) Connect Forum in Sunderland, England, from August 17–23.

The G2G Connect Forum is a community leadership initiative of ChildFund Rugby that brings together emerging young female grassroots leaders from around the world to build networks and drive social change through rugby.

Youth coach Michaila departs today, August 16, for a week-long program of activities in England, a country recognized as a leader in women’s club and community rugby. There, she will exchange ideas and strengthen strategies to inspire more girls and women to pursue rugby coaching.

A graduate of the ChildFund Rugby Pass It Back (PIB) Training of Coaches, Michaila is now on her third season with the program, steadily taking bigger steps in this global movement.

Her rugby journey began while she was looking for a part-time job to support her studies. Encouraged by a friend, she applied to the PIB program, which welcomed applicants with no prior rugby experience.

“Di ko din po talaga alam yung rugby sport dati pero naging interesting siya sa akin kasi hindi lang daw sport yung ituturo, pati din daw po life-skills. Tinutuloy-tuloy ko lang po yung application process and luckily nakapasa din po ako nung TOC [Training of Coaches],” she recalled.

Her passion for community building through rugby deepened as she saw the sport transform lives in her community in Albay.

“Naging sobrang malapit na din po sa akin yung program since nakikita ko po talaga na malaki yung nagiging impact niya sa community dito sa Albay, lalo na sa mga players na nai-improve yung character nila through life-skills. Kaya nilolook-forward ko po talaga na magtuloy-tuloy pa yung program at mas lumawak pa siya.”
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In February 2025, during a G2G session in Albay, Michaila was selected as co-captain of her group. Today, she proudly carries the Philippine flag on the global stage as a grassroots community leader.

​About the Philippine Rugby Football Union
The Philippine Rugby Football Union (PRFU) is the governing body for the sport of rugby in the Philippines. Established in 1998, the PRFU is dedicated to the development and promotion of rugby across the country, from grassroots to elite levels. It oversees various programs, competitions, and national teams, with the aim of making rugby a major sport in the Philippines.
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