Local rugby groups are hoping to bring a different brand of football to Kenosha this summer.

The Board of Park Commissioners approved a request Monday from the Kenosha Vultures and University of Wisconsin-Parkside rugby football clubs to host a one-day Sevens Rugby Tournament at Kennedy Park on June 20.

Joe Bullis, coach of the Kenosha Vultures High School Rugby Football Club, said the groups have hosted similar events, but have never had a tournament in Kenosha.

“It had been held for several years previously in Racine in conjunction with Harbor Fest,” Bullis said. “But that has gone away, and we put it off for a year and decided to give Kenosha a try. It’s a lovely venue.”

The tournament will feature seven-member teams as opposed to the traditional 15. There will also be shorter halves.

The tournament is expected to host about 10 men’s and college teams and between four and six high school teams, Bullis said. The event should run from about 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bullis expects food, such as hot dogs and brats, and refreshments to be served. The current plan does not call for alcohol to be sold at the event, but the groups are requesting permission for spectators to bring their own beer.

The Board of Park Commissioners unanimously approved the permit, with only one question about the safety of the game. Bullis said trained medical and emergency personnel would be on hand.

Kenosha’s high school club, which practices at Kennedy Park, formed three years ago. Parkside’s squad started in the 1960s before disbanding in the mid-1990s, Bullis said. The club restarted a few years later and has been active for more than a decade.

Proceeds from the tournament will be used to cover fees for players who are financially disadvantaged and cover equipment and dues costs for the high school and college organizations.

Bullis said rugby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and he hopes more people locally can experience the game on June 20.

“I truly feel the sport needs a shot in the arm here in getting people to understand it better,” Bullis said. “We instill a lot of values and have a code of conduct and encourage people to respect each other. We want to make sure people know what the sport is about.”

And, Bullis said, spectator guides explaining the rules and finer points of the game will be available during the tournament.