Powered by rugby: Pass It Back legacy in Laos
8 March 2026
ChildFund Rugby was proud to partner with the Lao Rugby Federation to build and develop Pass It Back over a 10 year period, and we are always excited to hear stories of how Lao Rugby continues to use Pass It Back to support leaders and their communities.
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Sabaidee! My name is Maiva. I’m 24 years old, and I’m from Kham District, Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR. Today, I work with the Lao Rugby Federation as the Rugby Development Coordinator for our district.
My rugby journey began in 2020.
A friend, Xia, sent me a Facebook post about recruiting coaches. At the time, I was eager to be a youth leader in my school and community, so I took a chance and applied.
That one decision changed everything.
From Coach to Coordinator: Learning step by step
Becoming a rugby coach was my first big step. It wasn’t easy. I had to manage teams, register players, and deliver sessions. I became the bridge between my players and the Lao Rugby staff.
Some weekends, I couldn’t help my family or see friends because I had coaching commitments or meetings. But those challenges taught me responsibility, resilience, and leadership.
Coaching gave me confidence and opened doors. I earned while studying, met new people, travelled, and learned skills I never imagined I’d use. Over time, I started to feel not just like a coach, but like a leader in my own life.
Stepping up: Rugby Development Officer
After two years of coaching, I applied for a new role: Rugby Development Officer (RDO) in my district. I wanted to grow and make a bigger impact.
This role demanded more from me. I supported coaches, coordinated with schools, managed player registrations, and planned competitions. I also led monthly coach meetings.
It was tough. Players dropped out, and communication wasn’t always easy. But I didn’t give up. I knew I wasn’t born with all the skills. I learned, I listened, and I grew.
"It was tough. But I didn’t give up. I knew I wasn’t born with all the skills. I learned, I listened, and I grew."
I had amazing support from my coworkers. People like Xeelao, who taught me how to check forms, and Lao, who guided me in coach management. My family also believed in me. They were proud to see me grow and have stable work.
Taking the lead: Rugby Development Coordinator
After a year as an RDO, I applied for the position of Rugby Development Coordinator (RDC) and I got it.
Now, I manage all rugby development activities in my district. I support RDOs, follow up with teams, and communicate closely with our Rugby Development Manager.
In this role, I’ve learned to see the bigger picture, to plan ahead, and to guide others as they once guided me.
The responsibility is high, but so is the reward. I’ve developed my leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills. I’ve grown into a role model for young people in my community. And I’ve learned that leadership doesn’t mean doing everything alone. It means learning, adapting, and lifting others up.
My advice to others: Be bold. Be brave. Keep learning.
To become a strong leader, you don’t need to be perfect. What you need is: diligence, courage to act, willingness to learn, openness to mistakes, support from others, and belief in yourself.
Every role, from coach to RDO to RDC, has helped me become the person I am today. I’ll continue learning, growing, and leading. And I’ll keep passing it back, because that’s what leadership is all about.
“Maiva started as a coach, then became an RDO, and she is now a Coordinator. I’ve watched her grow, and I believe she’ll never stop developing her skills. She’s a strong leader and role model for others.” Xaikham, Maiva’s former Coach.
This is what impact looks like: young leaders rising through rugby, growing their community, and building a safe and inclusive future #PoweredByRugby.