didi Rugby Reading is set to extend the amount of classes it offers to youngsters in the area after a tremendous response from the public.
Since launching almost three months ago, the franchise has gone from strength to strength under the leadership of Craig Hunter and Donna Clark.
And when some of the age groups quickly became full and began operating a waiting list, Craig and Donna knew they had to come up with ideas to satisfy the ever-growing demand.
Didi Reading currently offer two classes on Fridays and three on Saturday at Reading RFC. As of next week, they are delivering permanent sessions in three schools, with taster sessions coming up in two others with a view to running permanently from September.
Permanent fixture
Classes at Aldermaston RFC is now a permanent fixture on a Saturday morning – after starting off as a taster session – and they are filling up already.
Taster sessions at Newbury start on Wednesday 2 May.
Craig said: “It has been an amazing few months for us since we launched. We are looking forward to growing the didi rugby Reading coaching team now and sharing the fun, while enabling children from 18 months to 6 years old to build confidence and be active.
“None of this would have been possible without the support of Donna and fellow coaches Clare Swadling, Nicola Brooks, as well as Joe, Caitlin, Jack and Katie, and of course Vicky Macqueen and the didi rugby team.
“I have always wanted to provide some form of rugby for the siblings of our U6 and above players at Reading RFC.
Passion for didi Rugby
“I met Vicky last year and listened to her passion about the didi rugby brand. Then, following some very successful taster sessions at local schools in the Reading area, it was a very easy decision for me to get involved and introduce didi rugby to Reading in February 2018.”
Donna added: “We are looking to extend classes to other venues because we have had a really positive and enthusiastic response from the local public, including other rugby clubs in Berkshire.
“Ambassador Alex Matthews has been great for us and recently gave up her time to visit some classes to the delight of everyone there.”
Children from didi classes have recently enjoyed a day to remember when they had fun in the tremendous facilities of the Madjeski Stadium where London Irish play in the Aviva Premiership. didi kids showed what they could do and then watched the Exiles play reigning champions, Exeter Chiefs.