Alliance Rugby Club appeals Keller Sports Park decision, warns of lost tournaments and youth programming

KELLER, Texas — Brad DeLong, representing Alliance Rugby Club, appealed a decision relating to the Keller Sports Park expansion and asked the council to restore or preserve field access for the club’s youth and adult programs.

DeLong said Alliance Rugby Club has operated in Keller since 2003, that the club runs a youth program for ages 8–18 with 26 current youth participants and a similar number of adults, and that coaches, volunteers and referees are annually background-checked and complete SafeSport training. He disputed a press release that had said the club lacked a youth program and said the club has not been shown evidence of any field damage or complaints.

DeLong told council the club expected to host the USA Regional adult playoffs and the Texas State championships on April 25; he said losing that opportunity would forfeit potential visitors and tax revenue (he estimated about 1,000 spectators over two days for 32 teams).

Council response and next steps: Councilmembers thanked DeLong for attending and said staff would follow up; staff noted they would be in contact if council decided to take action on the appeal. No formal council vote or binding change was recorded on Jan. 6.