Parent Simon has some advice for parents wondering whether didi rugby is for their child

This proud didi rugby parent has some advice for other parents who are wondering whether to send their child to a didi class.

Simon Boxall is a father with a son who has come through the didi rugby system.

Now, William has not only moved to a rugby club to continue his education, he loves most sports and is at his happiest when he is being active and running around having fun.

So for parents asking: “How do I get my child more active at home?”, Simon has an answer.

“didi rugby makes him more active at home because he wants to get out in the garden and play by passing and kicking a ball around,” said Simon.

didi rugby parent Simon Boxall

Improve every day

“But it’s not just about his growth with rugby. He is really into sport in general.

“As a parent, I have seen him grow and improve day on day and his reflexes and speed are coming on all of the time.”

“They should definitely just try it.” he said. “No matter what sport they might end up wanting to do. Rugby or not. didi rugby builds up their appetite for being active, having fun, friendships and fitness. It’s really fantastic.”

VIDEO: This emotional story explains Vicky Macqueen’s drive behind didi rugby

This video shows is an emotional story from someone who knows didi rugby founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen better than most.

Brother Anthony McCormack admits he thought he had a ‘normal annoying little sister’ when he was growing up…but how wrong he was proved to be.

“As I progressed through middle school, it was clear that she was sporty and started breaking school records against the odds,” he said. “She was a real grafter who put in the work and let her results do all of the talking.

“Her big heart does not just provide courage and determination in sport, it gives her a love of people too. I am sure it was her heart that carried her through being in ICU when she contracted sepsis, with the odds again her. She just would not quit.”

Safe to say that Anthony is proud as punch of his little sister and what she has achieved so far through didi rugby.

didi rugby founder Vicky Macqueen with children Harry and Max

VIDEO: didi rugby South Warwickshire coach Kiri Bennett interviews two of her didi stars

didi rugby South Warwickshire coach Kiri Bennett interviews two of her wonderful didi stars after a class – but she didn’t get the answer she was hoping for with her last question!

The answers from Rowan and Caius will certainly make you giggle.

The two boys tell Kiri what their favourite parts of the didi rugby classes are and then make the interviewer cover her ears when she asks them: “Who is your favourite coach?”

didi rugby South Warwickshire hosts classes in Kenilworth and Finham and are currently building a strong partnership with Old Leamingtonians RFC.

The friendly didi rugby South Warwickshire coaching team

If you live in the area and would like to book your child in for a FREE taster session, visit our website.

didi rugby also offer exciting birthday parties at very reasonable rates, click here to see what’s on offer in South Warwickshire.

didi rugby offers free taster sessions to any of its classes all over the country. Sessions are run over three age groups from 18 months to 3 years, 3 years to 4 years and 4 years to 6 years of age.

To find out more about the benefits of didi rugby for your children, which include learning new skills, improved balance and co-ordination and increased confidence, watch our video.

DIDI FAMILY BLOG: The benefits of being active are measured not just in pounds and pence

In the second of a series of blogs from our franchise holders around the country, didi rugby South Wales’ Robyn Lock hails the value of being active from a young age – not just in terms of the country’s health care costs.

The figures and statistics are staggering reflecting just how much money is saved in the country’s health care costs just by its population being active.

By walking your dog, taking the stairs instead of the lift, cycling to work, choosing to walk instead of driving, playing and having fun outside and replacing screen time with activity time, we are all creating a great value for physical activity.

But, as we all know, it’s easier said than done. Sticking to these ideals often take time and being active becomes a luxury for those with few spare moments in their day. It is convenient to get things done quickly isn’t it? And there are always other bits and bobs that need doing before you go and get active.

didi rugby South Wales’ Robyn Lock is no stranger to activity!

So how do we make being active into one of our highest priorities as part of our lifestyle? How do we build time to be a more active version of ourselves?

Quite simply, we build it into our upbringing.

From a very early age, I remember my mum, in the sleet, hail, rain, snow and of course sunshine, walking me to school. We would have races from one lamppost to the next and pop into the shop on the way home in the summer for an ice lolly.

Uphill walk

Fortunately for me, my primary school was less than a mile walk away. But when I left primary school, I already knew I would be walking to my secondary school.

It was an uphill walk of about 1.5 miles but I didn’t question it (alright, maybe I did on the odd rainy day), but it was part of my school commute and it had to be done because walking was what I was used to.

I grew up watching my parents play rugby. At the weekend I would spend my Saturdays and Sundays on the side line cheering them on, not understanding the rules but still enjoying the muddy puddles and the tunnel the players made at the end!

I remember sitting on the back of my mum’s bike, feeling like I was on the back of a race bike and squinting as the wind hit my face. I couldn’t wait to learn to ride my own bike so I could ride fast. I remember my dad teaching me to ride my bike, telling me that every bump and graze was me learning and he was proud of me.

I remember the joy of getting my first pair of football boots, running trainers and feeling that little more grown up. I was now going to be like my parents playing sport. I remember the fun of learning to swim, getting my badges on my towel, the smell of chlorine, the amazing taste of a hot chocolate after swimming, progressing up to the big pool! When I look back, I am not reminded of the sports or activities I did because they were good for my health, instead, I remember them all because I had fun.

Active childhood

Fast forward 20 years and I am not an elite swimmer, I am not an elite cyclist and I do, too often for my liking, jump in the car to get me places quickly. But I play rugby. I walk my dog. I enjoy going to the gym. I enjoy being active. I embrace a good sweat session. Being active was a big part of my childhood…and I enjoyed it and it is a part of my lifestyle now.

Don’t panic if you didn’t have an active childhood and don’t worry if you don’t have the positive memories that others have. That doesn’t matter. As humans we learn all the time and we can most definitely learn to enjoy being active. If not for our own sake, but for the sake of the next generation.

Go and be that mum, dad, gran, grandpa, aunty, uncle, cousin, sibling, god-parent, friend or role model to teach the little one looking up to you that being active is fun. Teach them it’s good for them, it will help them concentrate, make decisions, build friendship, relief stresses and gain confidence.

Have you heard of the saying: ‘fake it until you make it’? Think positively about the impact that being active can have.

And if you don’t think you’ve got it in you to embed those positive associations of physical activity in the next generation, don’t worry. You can always find your closest didi rugby class and our coaches will be able to teach your child, and you, to enjoy being active. Now and forever.

That to me, is the true value of sport.

Local knowledge and community support is helping didi rugby to flourish

Children play at a didi rugby class

didi rugby are seeking people who want to consider opening a brand new didi franchise in an area they know very well…right on their own doorstep.

Franchise manager Sanchia de Lacy says the success of didi rugby in the areas they have launched in during 2018 has come as little surprise because the people behind those businesses know the area so well.

She has also been delighted by the passion shown by each new franchise holders after they have got involved, adding more weight to the didi family vibe running throughout the whole business.

Knowing their local community has enabled new franchisees to get a real kick start in launching their business by realising exactly where to seek help from and what resources to tap in to.

Children play at a didi rugby class
didi rugby kids having fun

On their doorstep

“Our franchise owners have got the most out of the area because so many of them operate right on their doorstep,” says Sanchia.

“This means they know the area so well and have known where to go to spread the word and where to look for venues to hold their classes.

“Crucially, that local knowledge has also helped them garner support from the communities they are all a part of. We have been delighted by the reaction from parents and businesses in many of the areas in which we have launched.”

When initial contact is made by anyone interested in finding out our more about didi rugby franchises, Sanchia and founder Vicky Macqueen (BEM) begin the process of discussing with those people whether a full or part-time franchise is good for both parties.

Business background

While Vicky conceived the idea for didi rugby, Sanchia’s business background is in operating franchises and their set-up so the combination for support of any new potential franchise owner is perfect.

And finding the right person for the role is absolutely central to those early discussions.

“In 2019, we are looking to expand at the same rate as 2018 and have no desire to go too quickly,” said Sanchia. “We really believe in what we do.

“With this is mind, we are always looking for the right partners to work with. didi rugby isn’t for everyone – it’s for those who hold our values, want a business that is striving for the same things and for someone who is hungry to be successful in their own way.”

“We actually have two active franchise opportunities available in Lichfield and Bedford currently up and running but didi rugby can be launched anywhere, ideally on people’s  doorstep, where they know the area and community so well.”

didi franchise owners are ‘coming from all sorts of professional backgrounds’

Franchise manager Sanchia de Lacy says didi rugby has seen people from all sorts of professional backgrounds and personal situations show an interest in opening a franchise over the past 12 months.

Founded by former England international Vicky Macqueen (BEM), the company has just announced the launch of its 21st franchise which will be opened by a former member of the armed forces in Lancaster and Kendal this Spring.

Other franchises have opened up around the country from Swansea to Twickenham and from Stafford to Reading over the past year. And didi rugby has been taken fondly into the hearts and minds of the children and parents who have become part of a growing success story.

With a strong team of experienced experts firmly behind the launch – and continued growth – of every franchise, Sanchia says she is looking forward to another busy 12 months ahead.

Not only will that involve supporting current franchisees with financial and practical advice at regular intervals, it will also involve opening new businesses around the country which can be run on a part-time or full-time basis.

didi rugby franchises can be great fun and tremendously rewarding

Proposals

Sanchia says she has been excited by the wide variety of proposals she has been dealing with, which really showed a spike when people started to recognise the didi rugby name, brand and values associated with it.

“We have seen a pull in people from all backgrounds wanting to be part of the didi family and adopt our values and drive for getting kids active,” she said.

“Each franchise owner brings a different skill and experience into the team, and that is what our franchising model is – a team – and a tight-knit one at that.

“We have seen interest from many ex-players, current rugby coaches and mums wanting to have their own business and get involved.

“We have also been approached by rugby clubs who want to take on a franchise themselves, business investors and other people who are simply looking for a change in their purpose in life.

Competitively priced

“Initial investment in a didi rugby franchise is very competitively priced and relative to the area in which the franchise would be operating in.

“The support we provide as didi HQ is very structured, detailed and aligned to the needs of the new business.”

“We have seen massive growth in the last 12 months and I know there is going to be another busy 12 months ahead of us as we continue to spread our values of getting children healthy and active around the country.

“Our wonderful mascots, Dougie and Daisy are coming to every franchise launch day and it’s fantastic that our founder and CEO, Vicky Macqueen still comes to every launch too and is very involved with the planning and promotion of each event.”

Are you interested in having a chat with Sanchia or Vicky to find out more about franchising options with didi rugby on a full or part-time basis? If so, email vicky@didirugby.com or sanchia.delacy@didirugby.com – or call Vicky on 07812 082375.

didi ambassador – Alecs Donovan

Alecs Donovan fought back from two years out with a serious injury to earn her Wales debut off the bench in the Six Nations against Italy at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

Having spent so long on the sidelines after rupturing an Achilles Tendon, the former hockey and netball player, who began sporting competition as a toddler, would have enjoyed her first run-out in national colours more than most.

“It’s a dream come true,” said Alecs. “I could not have wished for a better first cap. It’s surreal.

“It’s important that Women’s rugby teams play in stadiums like this and it’s important to get that recognition.”

A Swansea Rugby Club team mate of fellow didi rugby ambassador Siwan Lillicrap and didi rugby Swansea owner Robyn Lock, Alecs certainly did not waste her time while she was away from rugby.

didi ambassador – Alecs Donovan

Opportunity

She found that yoga was a great help during her rehab and is now giving everyone else the opportunity to enjoy that too having set up a business called Yogability.

“Rupturing my Achilles, meant that the one thing I could do was yoga. At first I couldn’t understand how on earth people, three times my age, were better than me, more flexible, stronger and healthier than I was,” said Alecs.

“After just two years of yoga, I can now understand the importance and the benefits it brings. All athletes, especially those rehabilitating from injury would benefit from yoga and others who are interested in general fitness and their well-being would gain so much from the teachings and benefits of yoga.

Stronger and fitter

“I am stronger, fitter and so much more flexible than I was two years ago, which helps me avoid the unnecessary tightness that leads to injury.”

So Alecs knows all about the importance of good preparation for future success. So being an ambassador for didi rugby is the ideal match!

didi ambassadors – Siwan Lillicrap

Wales, Swansea and Ospreys Women forward Siwan Lillicrap became the first female to ever be invited to take a seat on the board of Swansea Rugby Club.

Her positivity is something that strikes a chord with chairman Stephen Hughes.

“Siwan is doing a brilliant job,” he said. “She is very good in the boardroom and brilliant on the pitch and she leads her team tremendously well.”

Team-mate Alecs Donovan is also full of praise: “She is a great role model and an outstanding player who earns the respect of everyone on and off the field.”

Swansea Rugby Club is not the only place where Siwan is well respected.

Since making her international debut against Ireland in 2016, she has been an integral figure in the Wales national squad in a competitive second row area.

didi ambassador – Siwan Lillicrap

Enjoy being pitch side

And her role as head of rugby at Swansea University means her experience is being put to good use developing those involved in the rugby programme.

“There is a wide variety of roles I do and I enjoy being pitch-side,” she said. “Girls have taken rugby up while studying here that have never played the game before.”

As an ambassador for didi rugby, Siwan will be helping Swansea and Ospreys team mate, Robyn Lock, the owner of didi rugby Swansea.

And, from her own experience, she knows the importance of getting youngsters playing the game and having fun.

“I used to be out in my wellies every Sunday morning watching my brother play and my father coach and I was always on the side of the pitch,” said Siwan. “I always loved the game and had a rugby ball in my hand whenever I could.”

didi ambassadors – Heather Fisher

​Heather Fisher is a hugely recognisable figure on the Women’s rugby circuit and an inspiration to those around her.

Having began her time in the public eye on the Great Britain bobsleigh squad, taking part in the British Championships and European circuit, she moved into rugby and became one of the game’s hardest workers and toughest tacklers.

She won her first international cap for England against the USA in 2009 and that was the start of a wonderful career that has propelled her onto the world stage.

She is now a World Cup winner at 15-a-side after success in France in 2014 and has represented her country at the 2009, 2013 and 2018 World Cup of Sevens.

didi ambassador Heather Fisher

Helping to mentor

She was also a member of the Great Britain squad that came so close to a medal at the 2016 Olympics Games in Rio.

Heather has worked on behalf of the Youth Sport Trust as a Sky Sports Athlete Mentor and will now be helping to mentor some much younger athletes as a didi rugby ambassador!

“I am really pleased to become an ambassador for didi rugby,” said Heather. “It is a fantastic organisation that will generate confidence and skills for little kids.

“It’s absolutely brilliant to be a part of it so thanks for having me on board. I am looking forward to working with everyone involved.”

didi ambassador – Emily Scarratt

Emily Scarratt has been a regular in the England side for a decade.

She first started playing rugby at the age of just five and it was the start of a beautiful relationship with a sport which has helped her travel the world playing Sevens and XVs for her country and winning numerous honours along the way.

Her most memorable day was the World Cup final in France in 2014 when she scored 16 points in England’s 21-9 win over Canada. It was a tournament she ended as top scorer with 70 points.

She has also won Six Nations grand slams, World Sevens Series tournaments and was England Women’s Rugby Player of the Year in 2013.

didi ambassador -Emily Scarratt

You can kick, pass, run and tackle

Emily was also the captain of Team GB in the Rugby Sevens at the Olympics in Rio in 2016 as the team finished just outside the medals in fourth.

She gave up her job as a PE teacher in Birmingham to become a full-time rugby player when professional central contracts were introduced and, having also taken up the game at such a young age, she knows all about the benefits of the sport to children.

“I just love the different elements of rugby,” she said.

“I played a lot of sport growing up but rugby has a bit of everything – you can kick, pass, run, tackle, there is an amalgamation of a lot of different areas of sport in one sport.”