The Olympics may have concluded a few weeks ago, but the inspiration and excitement they bring continue to resonate. We’re still in awe of the extraordinary athletes who showcased their skills, determination, and sportsmanship on the world stage. From record-breaking performances to inspiring stories of resilience, the Olympics remind us of the enduring power of sport to unite and uplift us all.

What many people might not realise is that the journey to Olympic success often begins much earlier in life. In fact, a significant number of Olympic champions started their athletic journeys as children, where their love for sport was first ignited. According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), many athletes began their training between the ages of 5 and 12, setting the foundation for their future achievements. This early involvement in sports is crucial for developing the skills, discipline, and passion that can lead to success at the highest levels of competition.

The Importance of Starting Young

Research consistently shows that early participation in sports offers a myriad of benefits that extend beyond physical fitness. According to Sport England, 41% of children and young people in England meet the recommended levels of physical activity each week, with sports playing a vital role in their development. Engaging in sports from a young age can help children develop important life skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. These experiences lay the groundwork for success not only in athletics but in various aspects of life.

Children who participate in sports are also more likely to adopt healthy habits that last a lifetime. Regular physical activity helps to build strong bones and muscles, improves cardiovascular health, and enhances mental well-being. Furthermore, the social aspects of sports, such as making friends and learning to work as part of a team, contribute to the development of emotional intelligence and self-esteem. In fact, the Youth Sport Trust has found that children who are physically active are more likely to perform better academically and have higher levels of confidence.

Why Rugby? The Perfect Sport for Young Athletes 

Rugby is an excellent sport for children to get involved in, offering a unique blend of physical and mental challenges that promote overall development. At didi rugby, our classes are designed to introduce children to the world of sports in a fun, supportive, and engaging environment. Through our sessions, children learn the fundamental skills of rugby—such as passing, catching, and teamwork—while also building confidence and a love for physical activity.

But rugby is more than just a sport; it’s a way of life that teaches important values like respect, discipline, and sportsmanship. These core principles are embedded in every didi rugby session, helping children to grow not only as athletes but as individuals who are prepared to take on the challenges of the future.

Could Your Child Be the Next Olympic Star?

While not every child will go on to compete in the Olympics, the lessons they learn and the experiences they gain through sports like rugby will stay with them for life. Who knows? Your child’s journey with didi rugby could be the first step on the path to greatness, whether on the rugby field, in another sport, or in any other endeavor they choose to pursue.

At didi rugby, we’re passionate about nurturing the next generation of athletes, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both on and off the field. Our classes are tailored to suit children of all abilities, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of rugby.

Join a Class Today: Kickstart Your Child’s Sporting Journey 

As we continue to celebrate the incredible moments from the Olympics, now is the perfect time to think about getting your child involved in sports. Whether they dream of standing on the Olympic podium or simply want to enjoy the thrill of the game, didi rugby offers the perfect environment to start their journey.

Explore our classes and find one near you to kickstart your child’s sporting journey. Let’s nurture the future generation of athletes together and help them develop the skills, confidence, and passion that will carry them through life.

 

As the leaves begin to turn and the excitement of a new season approaches, we are thrilled to announce the launch of didi rugby Somerset, starting this September. This new franchise, led by Ben and Ella Thomas, is set to bring the joy and benefits of rugby to young children across Somerset. With a passion for sports, child development, and community engagement, Ben and Ella are excited to embark on this new journey. We had the opportunity to sit down with them to discuss their backgrounds, motivations, and vision for didi rugby Somerset.

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what drew you to didi rugby?

We’ve both always been passionate about rugby and working with children. Ben has been involved in rugby virtually his entire life, transitioning from playing to coaching at a young age. He’s currently the Director of Rugby at an independent school and also coaches at a premiership academy, with experience coaching everyone from little ones up to international age-grade and seniors. Ella has spent the last seven years working as a teaching assistant, and she’s always loved working with children.

When we heard about didi rugby, we were immediately drawn to the idea. We’re passionate about encouraging children to be active, have fun, and build confidence. Starting didi rugby Somerset is a family business for us, motivated by our desire to see our little one grow up active and confident, doing what he enjoys.

What experiences do you have in sports or youth development that you bring to this new venture?

Running a rugby program for ages 7-18 at an independent school, coaching international age groups and seniors, and working as a premiership pathway rugby coach have all given us valuable experience. We’ve also coached several other sports, including hockey, tennis, cricket, and athletics, which has given us a broad understanding of youth development.

What inspired you to start a didi rugby franchise in Somerset?

After having our first child, we realised that there aren’t many activities for children before they start school. We wanted to offer something special for children at an age where opportunities are limited, and didi rugby seemed like the perfect fit.

Why did you choose didi rugby over other potential opportunities?

It felt like an exciting adventure to embark on while we’re young and starting a family. Having coached with Vicky, we were inspired by her passion for the sport, which made it an easy decision for us to choose didi rugby.

How do you plan to engage with the Somerset community and local families through didi rugby?

Our family team aims to engage with parents and children in the local community through rugby clubs and social media. We’re excited to share our values and the core rugby values we’ve gained from a lifetime of involvement in sport and wellbeing.

What impact do you hope to have on children in the area by introducing them to rugby?

We want to create an environment where young children can thrive, learn, and develop a lifelong love for rugby. Seeing them grow in confidence and enjoy physical activity is what drives us.

What are your main goals for your first year as didi rugby franchise owners?

Our goal is to grow and run several sessions across different locations in Somerset. We want to reach as many children as possible and establish a strong foundation in the community.

How do you envision your franchise growing and evolving over the next few years?

We’re looking at running holiday camps, nursery and school sessions, and expanding within the South West. We also want to build a network of top coaches who share our vision and values, pushing didi rugby to new heights.

What do you think sets didi rugby apart from other children’s sports programs in the region?

The expertise and experiences we bring to the table set us apart. We offer children a unique opportunity to experience rugby in a way that’s fun, safe, and enriching.

What are you most excited about offering to the children and families in Somerset?

We’re excited to offer a safe space where children can have fun, smile, learn key fundamental skills, and make new friends. It’s all about creating positive experiences that they’ll carry with them for life.

Can you share a personal story or experience that solidified your decision to open a didi rugby franchise?

Recently having our little boy really encouraged us to take the leap and start something new. We want to bring more sports and fun to the area for young children, and this felt like the perfect opportunity.

What are you most looking forward to as you embark on this new adventure?

We’re looking forward to seeing the development of young people as they thrive, stay active, have fun, and gain confidence. Watching them grow will be incredibly rewarding.

What message would you like to convey to parents considering enrolling their children in didi rugby?

It’s a chance to watch or get involved with your child as they learn new skills, make friends, and have fun. We’re here to support them every step of the way.

How can interested families get involved or learn more about your upcoming classes?

Follow our didi rugby Somerset social accounts to stay updated on news and be the first to hear about new locations being set up. We’re excited to welcome you to the didi rugby family!

With their extensive experience in rugby and a heartfelt commitment to nurturing young talent, Ben and Ella are set to make didi rugby Somerset an exciting and impactful addition to the community. As they gear up for the September launch, their focus is on creating a fun, supportive environment where children can thrive, build confidence, and develop a lifelong love for rugby.

 

If you’re a parent in Somerset looking for an engaging and enriching activity for your child, now is the perfect time to get involved. Head over to ‘find a class’ to find out more about our upcoming classes and secure your spot today. Join us in making didi rugby Somerset the go-to destination for young athletes!

In a detailed sit-down discussion, Vicky Macqueen, former England international and the dynamic Head of Women’s Rugby at Leicester Tigers, shared insights into her decision to leave her role at the end of the season and dedicate her efforts more time to didi rugby, the organisation she passionately founded. Her tenure at Leicester Tigers was marked by significant achievements, including establishing the club’s first women’s team in the Premiership Women’s Rugby.

Reflecting on her impactful stint, Vicky expressed deep pride, stating, “I’m immensely proud of the solid foundation we’ve built for women’s rugby at Leicester Tigers. Starting a team in the Premiership Women’s Rugby from scratch and seeing the growth and passion within the team has been incredibly fulfilling. The journey has had its challenges, but the resilience and dedication of everyone involved have truly inspired me.”

Throughout her tenure, Vicky spearheaded several key initiatives, such as implementing a comprehensive recruitment and high-performance program. She highlighted, “One of the major highlights has been working with a fantastic group of athletes and seeing them develop not just on the field but as individuals committed to excellence, which I believe will benefit the club in the long term.”

When asked about the motivation behind her decision to step down, Vicky revealed, “While I have loved my time with Leicester Tigers, it’s the right moment to shift my focus more intensely on didi rugby. didi rugby is something I am passionate about, and I want to dedicate more time to nurturing and expanding our programmes to reach more young children and instil in them a love for active living from an early age.”

She plans to leverage her extensive experience from women’s Premiership rugby to further influence and develop didi rugby. “My experience with the Tigers has reinforced my understanding of what it takes to build successful teams and programmes from the ground up. I plan to bring this knowledge and energy to didi rugby, enhancing our coaching methods, expanding our reach, and ensuring every child we engage with can benefit from a fun and inclusive environment.”

Looking forward to the future, Vicky is excited about several upcoming initiatives at didi rugby, particularly those aimed at expanding the organisation’s national and international presence, developing inclusive programmes for children of all abilities, and strengthening training processes. “Moreover, fostering partnerships with schools and local communities will be crucial as we aim to make a significant impact on children’s health and wellbeing,” she added.

As she prepares to focus more of her efforts on didi rugby, Vicky leaves a heartfelt message for the team and supporters of Leicester Tigers women’s rugby, “I would like to thank everyone at Leicester Tigers and all the supporters for their incredible support and belief in the women’s programme. I have no doubt that the team will continue to grow and achieve great things. Keep supporting and cheering for these amazing athletes. Their journey is just beginning, and they have so much more to achieve.”

For more information about Vicky’s future initiatives and didi rugby, please contact: Christina Benneworth,  christina.benneworth@didirugby.com