Belmont High School's varsity girls rugby team was honored by the Select Board for capturing the program's eighth state championship, highlighting a week that also brought a World Cup watch party and the launch of a new youth soccer camp.

BELMONT -- At the July 13 Select Board meeting, the board issued a proclamation honoring the Belmont High School Girls Varsity Rugby Team for completing an undefeated 2026 spring season with a perfect 8-0 record.

HIGH SCHOOL The team advanced through the MIAA Division I Girls Rugby State Tournament as the top seed, defeating Brookline High School 40-0 in the semifinal before beating Weymouth High School 36-24 in the state championship game on June 11 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy. The title marks the program's eighth state championship since the MIAA began recognizing girls rugby in 2017. The proclamation praised the team's "athletic excellence, teamwork, sportsmanship, and school pride," and board members posed for photos with players afterward.

TOWN The Town of Belmont and the Belmont Soccer Association are co-sponsoring a World Cup 2026 watch party at the Belmont Town Hall Auditorium on July 14 and 15, from 2 to 5:30 p.m. The free event has limited entry and requires pre-registration at belmontrec.com. Food will be provided by Lisa's Pizza and the Ice Cream Bite. Select Board members thanked the Belmont Soccer Association for its donation supporting the event.

YOUTH LEAGUES Registration is open for the Belmont Youth Soccer Camp, a summer program run by Belmont High School varsity and JV soccer players for athletes entering grades 3-8. Weekly sessions run Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., from July 14 through Aug. 13 at Harris Field at Belmont High School. The 10-session program costs $200, or $20 per session for players unable to attend the full slate, with financial aid available. Proceeds benefit the Belmont Soccer Program.

Compiled from team and league reports, reader submissions, and local coverage.