Sports briefs: Wild West Rugby Fest

SCOTTSDALE - The largest rugby tournament west of the Mississippi is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday at the Scottsdale Sports Complex, 8081 E. Princess Drive.

More than 40 teams from 15 states are expected to be playing in this 17th annual tournament, which includes the USA Rugby national champion entered in the men's competitive bracket. Twelve women's teams are entered, which includes four teams entered in a ladies collegiate bracket.

Matches begin at 9 a.m. Saturday and 9:30 a.m. Sunday.

Admission is free.

Information: wildwestrugby.com or joefreedman1@gmail.com.

Super Sports Saturday Dec. 13

SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale's Parks and Recreation staff is holding its next Super Sports Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 13, at Eldorado Park, 2311 N. Miller Road.

Test your skills in various sports and activities, run through the obstacle and agility course, sharpen their aim in the basketball shootout, or test their skills in the punt, pass and kick challenge.

Information: Robert Dowd, 480-312-2771.

Synchronized swim club

SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale Synchro, a non-profit synchronized swimming club sponsored by Scottsdale and based at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Aquatic Center, has open registration for the current season.

Interested Swimmers ages 6 through 15 are encouraged to give this versatile sport a try. To increase membership, we offer

Two free sessions are offered for those curious about what participation is about.

Information: Mary Allen, 602-740-6486; Jennifer Shinn, 602-820-5534; scottsdalesyncrho.org; or Scottsdale Syncrho@cox.net.

Lacrosse club to hold sign-ups

SCOTTSDALE - The Outlaws, an Arizona Youth Lacrosse League middle school lacrosse club, has opened registration for the upcoming season.

The team, open to children in Grades 6-8, competes in the Lax Locker League. The team also plays in regional tournaments throughout the year.

Information: Laurie, 480-488-1238 or freeteams.net/azoutlaws.

Soccer academy sign-ups

NORTHEAST VALLEY - The Pinnacle Soccer Academy is registering children ages 6-9 for the Youth Development Academy Program.

Sessions are held at Thunderbird Park (92nd Street and Thunderbird Road) on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

Information: Paolo Mottola, academy director, 480-704-3293, docpsa@gmail.com or visit pinnaclesoccer.com.

Special Olympics needs helpers

SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale's Adapted Recreation Services is looking for volunteers to assist with the Special Olympics swim season.

Practices are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays at Chaparral Pool, 5401 N. Hayden Road.

Volunteers are also needed for year-round sports such as basketball, bowling, cheerleading and track.

Information: 480-312-2234 or e-mail mmays@scottsdaleaz.gov.

Volunteer, earn a bicycle

SCOTTSDALE - With as little as 20 hours of community volunteer work, you can earn a bike from Handlebar Helpers.

The Handlebar Helpers program gives all Scottsdale residents the opportunity to earn a bike, helmet and lock.

The agency monitors your time and communicates it to Handlebar Helpers staff.

Information: 480-312-0217 or complete the "earn a bike" form at www.handlebarhelpers.org.

Volunteer with parks, recreation

SCOTTSDALE - There are several volunteer opportunities available to assist with parks and recreation special events.

Information: Erin McKallor-Quill, 480-312-7640 or emckallor@scottsdale az.gov.

Complex's Web site available

SCOTTSDALE - Through a partnership with the Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city's Parks and Recreation Division recently has launched the Scottsdale Sports Complex Web site at www.scottsdalesportscomplex.com.

This complex accommodates a variety of flat-field sports such as soccer, lacrosse, football, Ultimate Frisbee and rugby. The site also provides tournament and league coordinators with detailed information about the facility, including an opportunity to search available dates and times. The complex has a full, lighted basketball court, a shaded playground, multiuse paths and open park space for drop-in public use as well as a public art component and two restrooms.

Information: Jona Davis, 480-312-7520 or jdavis@scottsdaleaz.gov.

Arthritis aquatic program

SCOTTSDALE - Scottsdale is offering the Arthritis Foundation's Aquatic Program.

It is an exercise program that doesn't put reduces strain on joints and muscles.

The program is being conducted at the McDowell Mountain Ranch Park and Aquatic Center, as well as the Eldorado Aquatic and Fitness Center.

Information: 480-312-6677 (McDowell Ranch) or 480-312-2484 (Eldorado).

Get into the swim on weekends

SCOTTSDALE - McDowell Mountain Ranch, Cactus and Eldorado Aquatic Centers are open from 1 to -6 p.m. for public swimming on weekends. Cost: $2 for residents, $3 for non-residents.