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Exciting new start for didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

Wearing didi rugby tops, Vicky Macqueen and James O'Ryan smiling towards the camera.

The new team at didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley are getting classes across their area into full swing this term.

Following a successful launch back in December 2021, sessions are now running at Clitheroe RFC and Mellor Village Hall and Field, Blackburn (see below for booking details).

New classes will also begin at Pleckgate High School Dance Studio in Blackburn from Saturday 12 February (see below for booking link).

Sessions are for children aged 18 months to 6 years of age.

Wearing didi rugby tops, Vicky Macqueen and James O'Ryan smiling towards the camera.
James O’Ryan (left) and Vicky Macqueen at the launch of didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley.

The classes are run by the rugby fanatic O’Ryan family: John, James and Sam.

They are all determined to spread their love and passion for the sport, encouraging young children to get involved, get active, build confidence and most importantly, have fun. 

didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

“It’s been really exciting. We’ve had so much fun building and planning for it.” James said. 

“It has been weeks in the planning process and we’re so happy classes are now up and running!” 

John has twice received commendations from the Rugby Union for his services to community rugby for mini and youth engagement and for engagement and for promotion of girl’s rugby opportunities. 

“I’ve been coaching for about 15 years in all different age groups” he said.

Clitheroe RFC

 “I’ve been embedded in the Blackburn and Clitheroe area, helping out at all the schools and different coaching facilities we have here.” 

didi rugby CEO, Vicky Macqueen, attended the launch and said:  “I have been so impressed the level of planning that has gone into this. The amount of effort the guys have put into the launch is amazing.

“Now regular classes are up and running, I am certain John, James and Sam will do a great job of introducing our wonderful sport to youngsters in the area.”

To find out more about attending classes, visit our ‘find a class’ page to book your free taster session at any of our venues.

READ MORE:  Find out more about the launch of didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley. 

WATCH: Manu Tuilagi joins the didi rugby family as an ambassador.

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Excitement grows for didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley launch party

A poster for the launch day of didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

There will be plenty of fun and excitement to be had when didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley throws its opening launch party on Saturday 4 December.

Clitheroe Rugby Club will be the venue for a morning of activities running from 9am to 11am. The sessions will be held outdoors if weather permits or indoors in the clubhouse.

Our didi coaches will be there to welcome visitors and will also be available after each session to answer any questions that parents may have.

didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

The classes will be run by the rugby-mad O’Ryan family and John, James and Sam are determined to spread their love for the game and didi rugby’s values throughout the area to as many children as possible when regular classes begin the following week.

John has twice received commendations from the Rugby Union (RFU) for his services to community rugby for mini and youth engagement and for promotion of girl’s rugby opportunities.

A poster for the launch day of didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

“We have a superb blend of skills and knowledge, combined with a passion for sports, to encourage and promote all the fantastic positives that we know children can gain from taking part in sports,” he said.

“We aim to offer a supportive, caring and fun experience at all our venues, reflecting our family values, the values we know didi rugby share and the values we have enjoyed for over 30 years in our own rugby journey.

Clitheroe Rugby Club

“We want our didi rugby friends’ journey to be just as enjoyable, leading to a lifelong love of sport and all the benefits this brings; health, confidence, friends, skills and fun.”

Numbers are limited but there is still time to book your child’s free place at the event by calling John on 07905787160 or emailing, john.oryan@didirugby.com

A coach and child have fun at a didi rugby class
A coach and child have fun at a didi rugby class

Anyone attending is invited to dress their children in comfortable clothes they can run around in and it’s a good idea to bring a drink for them too.

James says he is really looking forward to providing children and parents with a fun introduction to didi rugby in Blackburn and the Ribble Valley.

“didi rugby is a sure and tested model for getting children active in a safe and positive setting with dedicated coaches,” he said.

RFU values

“Not only are children provided an environment to improve their physical skills like balance and coordination but social skills are also equally developed, like teamwork and leadership or even simply making a new friend.

“We feel this is an important stepping stone for young children to develop their confidence and enable them to share in the core values of rugby outlined by the RFU.”

didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen said: “The O’Ryan’s have a huge amount of passion for the sport and they are equally committed to spreading that passion and the values of didi rugby throughout the local community.

“We are delighted that a focal point of that local community in Clitheroe Rugby Club is hosting the event and we can’t wait to see some youngsters trying out didi rugby and having some fun while they do so.”

didi rugby is committed to making sure that Covid safety measures maintain in place across all of our classes, across the country.

WATCH: What is didi rugby?

 

 

 

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Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Clitheroe RFC

Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Clitheroe RFC

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Clitheroe Rugby Club in Clitheroe. There are three age groups: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six.

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance. It will also help them learn social skills while they have lots of fun in a positive, safe and friendly environment.

These classes are ideal for children living in: Clitheroe, Colne/ Nelson, Padiham, Sabden, Hurst Green, Whalley & Billington, Langho, Chatburn, West Bradford, Great Harwood

Clitheroe Rugby Club

Littlemoor Road
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 1EW

Ran by didi rugby Preston, Blackburn and Ribble Valley
Contact John O’Ryan – 07988 720062  
john.oryan@didirugby.com

A rugby player kicks a rugby ball off the ground

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Find a didi rugby class in Blackburn and Ribble Valley

About didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley

Contact – 07988 720062   facebook for didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley
john.oryan@didirugby.com

John O’Ryan – didi rugby Preston, Blackburn and Ribble Valley

Family trio John, James and Sam bring several lifetimes of playing, coaching and professional experience to providing fun activities for our smallest friends across Blackburn, Darwen and the Ribble Valley.

We have a superb blend of skills and knowledge, combined with a passion for sports, to encourage and promote all the fantastic positives we know that children can gain from taking part in sports.

We aim to offer a supportive, caring and fun experience at all our venues, reflecting our family values, the values we know didi rugby share and the values we have enjoyed for over 30 years in our rugby journey.

We want our didi rugby friends’ journey to be just as enjoyable, leading to a lifelong love of sport and all the benefits this brings with it like health, confidence, friends, skills and fun.

John is the head coach of the didi rugby franchise for Blackburn and the Ribble Valley.

He has been a driving force for grass roots rugby for over 20 years as a player, coach and volunteer for club, county schools union chairperson and as a national volunteer co-ordinator.

John has twice been recognised for his services to local rugby by the RFU, for mini and youth engagement and for promotion of girls’ rugby opportunities.

He has over 30 years secondary school teaching experience, an MSc in Education Management, and is a level 2 qualified RFU coach.

“Working with the didi rugby programme has given me a fantastic opportunity to complete the circle of coaching young people from 18 months to 18 years – something I have been enjoyed doing for every second over the last 20 years.

Son James O’Ryan added: “Having played rugby since the age of 4, I know how much impact sport can have on a young person’s livelihood. Sport – and rugby in particular – has always been a major part of my life. It led me to pursue sport-related studies later on with a goal to be involved in the sport industry in some capacity.

“Now having just finished a master’s degree year at Leeds Beckett studying Sport Business Management, this is the right time for me to combine my academic studies and natural will and determination into a career that is both equally challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Sam O’Ryan says: “All of our boys played rugby from the age of 5 and our house in full of images of muddy lads with smiles a mile wide. I have always been amazed by the community and extended family you gain by being part of rugby and the support we all give each other.

“As a Health Visitor in this district, I am keenly aware that not everyone has access to the opportunities to thrive as my lads have done, so programmes like didi rugby are ideal for promoting physically, socially and emotionally-active children. I particularly love that rugby has a proud tradition of inclusion and welcomes kids of all shapes, sizes, ability, and skillset.”

Book a class in the didi rugbyPreston,  Blackburn and Ribble Valley area