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!