didi rugby Archives

May 25, 2021

NEWS: didi rugby wins ‘Outstanding Community Award’ for online classes

A laptop computer shows an online didi rugby class

didi rugby have won an award for providing such a large amount of online classes and support for members during the pandemic.

The recognition came from international business management software provider TeamUp, who run systems in several countries for businesses which interact with members and customers via online platforms, such as Zoom.

didi rugby were awarded the ‘Outstanding Community Award’ for hosting 155 online classes between March 2020 and March 2021.

Founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen said she was both proud and delighted to see the whole team get rewarded for their determination and hard work during what was a challenging time for everyone.

Family business

“There is a real family feel to our business. So, as soon as lockdown began, didi HQ got together with our franchise owners and coaches on Zoom calls to discuss how we could still be there for our young did stars and their parents during lockdown.

“We know that face-to-face classes would be unlikely for some time. So, as a result, we grabbed the bull by the horns as a group. We embraced technology that was new to many of us and started delivering online classes instead.

“I am not saying it all went without a hitch! But to be able to deliver so many during that time is testament to the hard work of our franchise owners and coaches. Some of them had never hosted anything online in their lives before.

Local coaches

“We were all desperate to provide a link between local coaches and local children. We also wanted to try and make sure that we gave parents some interaction too. Lockdown was such a tough time for many of them stuck at home with young children.

“We received some amazing feedback during 2020 for our online classes and challenges. It was great to be able to put a smile on the face of kids and their parents while the pandemic took a hold on normal life.

“I would also like to thank our didi customers who stuck by us during this time and encouraged us to do more classes by their attendance and their feedback.

Entertainment

“I am extremely proud of everyone’s efforts and take my hat off to all of our coaches and franchise owners who provided inclusive fun and entertainment for their members, even if they only had a rolled-up pair of socks to join in with.

“A big thank-you to TeamUp for their support and for telling us that the award is richly deserved and a reflection of the strong family environment we operate in here at didi.”

Book a free taster session: Click on here and find your nearest class

WATCH: Why didi rugby ambassador Emily Scarratt loves helping out at a class…

May 4, 2021

Kesteven’s Kerri is flying high after daredevil plane jump

Kesteven Kerri Arlando gets ready to jump out of a plane

The head coach of didi rugby Grantham didn’t bat an eyelid when she jumped out of a plane at 14,000 feet.

Those that know her will not be surprised by that.

Kerri Arlando of didi rugby Grantham gets her flying wings

Kerri Arlando is certainly not afraid of heights so when her family bought her a sky dive because they thought she might like it….she did!

“I think my family were more nervous than I was,” said Kerri. “I didn’t have any butterflies at all. Even climbing into the plane, I felt fine.

Kesteven Ladies

“I am more scared about posting a didi rugby video than I am jumping out of a plane!”

Kerri, who plays scrum-half for Kesteven Ladies, made the jump from Langar Airfield which is about 20 miles from her home, attached to an instructor.

“Bizarrely, I didn’t feel like I was falling. It felt more like I was flying,” she said. “It’s hard to put it into words how it felt. I didn’t scream when I jumped but it was so cold that it did take my breath away.

“I would do it all again and am actually thinking about trying to get a free-fall license when I can. My two boys, Leonard (14) and Alfred (12) both want to do it when they are 16 too. Though I don’t think it’s my husband Dimitri’s cup of tea.”

Kerri is back down to Earth this weekend with another busy week of almost full didi rugby classes on Wednesday and Saturday at her home club, Kesteven.

Friday didi rugby classes

And there is now the chance to start the weekend early with Friday after-school classes too.

The 3 to 6-year-old’s session at 4.30pm is an ideal platform for children to enjoy didi rugby if parents have really busy or unpredictable weekends but still want their youngsters to enjoy regular classes.

Contact Kerri on kerri.arlando@didirugby.com for more information or to book a taster session.

Watch: didi rugby ambassador Emily Scarratt talks about the Six Nations and a possible Women’s Lions’ tour…

April 26, 2021March 20, 2023

Find a didi rugby class in Lichfield at Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club in Lichfield. 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:

Lichfield, Whittington, Weeford, Little hay, Shenstone, Chesterfield, Stonnall, Hilton, Swinfen, Hademore, Wall

Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club

Cooke Fields
Tamworth Rd
Lichfield
Staffordshire
WS14 9JE

Lichfield Rugby Union Football Club ran by didi rugby Lichfield and Sutton Coldfield

Contact didi rugby – 07970 552243
info@didirugby.com

A rugby player kicks a rugby ball off the ground

Book a Class

April 20, 2021April 20, 2021

didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall launches ready to go

A small girl running with a rugby ball in her hand, smiling

The owner of didi rugby Burntwood knows a thing or two about coaching.

Graham Smith earned a World Cup winners medal after being an assistant coach with England Women when they won the tournament in France in 2014.

Safe to say, any children that come to the launch of his new didi rugby classes at Burntwood RFC on Saturday 24 April, will be safe hands.

Graham will also lead the launch of didi rugby Willenhall the following Saturday (1 May) at Willenhall RFC.

A graphic for the launch of didi rugby Burntwood — didi rugby Burntwood

Strong local clubs

“The two clubs we are running the classes at are two very strong local clubs with a good following and a good place in the community,” said Graham. “They have been very supportive in the build-up to the launch and know the value of attracting young children to play the game we all love.”

As a player, Graham enjoyed his time at the Moseley club and became involved with rugby’s governing body, the RFU as a youth development officer in 1993.

He became involved with women’s rugby at Loughborough University in 2003 where he met the eventual World Cup-winning head coach Gary Street – who is also a didi rugby ambassador.

Moulding an England women’s team which involved the likes of a 17-year-old Emily Scarratt and a 19-year-old Sarah Hunter, not to mention the likes of Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt, Maggie Alphonsi and Katy Daly-Maclean, was hard work but good fun.

Founder of didi rugby

The success of that squad was built on a strong work ethic and culture and it left an indelible mark on Graham who is rightly proud of his achievements.

His early days with the England set-up also introduced him to Vicky Macqueen, a tough and talented back who is now the founder and CEO of didi rugby. The two are back together again with another common goal – to bring sporting fun and activity to as many young children as possible.

“I had always kept an eye on what Vicky was up to with didi rugby when I was coaching CN Poble Nou in Barcelona before the pandemic struck so it is great to now work together on trying to bring didi rugby to families in the Burntwood and Willenhall areas,” said Graham.

A graphic promoting the launch of didi rugby Willenhall — didi rugby Willenhall

“I am hoping it is a very positive reaction to the launches,” he said. “I am sure there are loads of parents who are keen to get their kids outside, moving around and having fun after what we have been through with Covid.”

Vicky Macqueen said: “Graham’s record as a coach speaks for itself but he also has a real passion for getting youngsters, not only playing the game but encouraging them to be active and running around.

Local community

“It’s a strong rugby area around Burntwood and Willenhall and I am sure we will get a good reaction from the local community. We can’t wait to get going.”

If your child is between 18 months and six years of age, they can find out more information or book a place at Burntwood RFC on 24 April or Willenhall RFC on 1 May by emailing graham.smith@didirugby.com.

You can also book direct via our website’s ‘find a class’ page.

WATCH MORE:

April 10, 2021July 20, 2021

Book a didi rugby birthday party in the Burntwood and Willenhall area

Are you looking for somewhere to celebrate your child’s birthday in a safe, fun and sporty environment?

Do you want your little ones to be active, involved and having a laugh with their friends?

didi rugby birthday parties are a great way for us to put a smile on your child’s face on their special day in the didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall area.

Your choice of venue anywhere in the Burntwood and Willenhall didi rugby area

click here to find out more about didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall

Contact Graham Smith – 07804 700948
graham.smith@didirugby.com

Book a Party

April 10, 2021July 20, 2021

Find a didi rugby class in Burntwood and Willenhall at Willenhall Rugby Union FC

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

These classes are ideal for children living in: Burntwood and Willenhall.

Willenhall Rugby Union FC

25 Bognop Road
Essington
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
WV11 2BA

click here to find out more about didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall

Contact Graham Smith – 07804 700948
graham.smith@didirugby.com

Book a Class

April 10, 2021July 20, 2021

Find a didi rugby class in Burntwood and Willenhall at Burntwood Rugby Club

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

These classes are ideal for children living in: Burntwood and Willenhall.

Burntwood Rugby Club

The Sportsway
Chasetown
Burntwood
Staffordshire
WS7 3PH

click here to find out more about didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall

Contact Graham Smith – 07804 700948
graham.smith@didirugby.com

Book a Class

April 10, 2021July 20, 2021

Find a didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall class

About didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall

Contact – 07804 700948
graham.smith@didirugby.com

Graham Smith – didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall

I have been coaching for over 30 years, the development of our young children is vital to the legacy of sport and health. I am passionate about helping coaches, parents and young people, in my experience with players at all levels using multi skilled activities is vital to develop.

Book a class in the didi rugby Burntwood and Willenhall area

February 23, 2021

didi rugby classes are given the green light to return outdoors

A traffic light with a green light on show

didi rugby classes have been given the green light to return to outdoor sessions from March 29.

Provision for schools and nurseries will start three weeks earlier on March 8.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the decision to allow children’s outdoor sport classes when providing the Houses of Parliament with his ‘Roadmap out of Lockdown’ speech on February 22.

didi rugby founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen said she was delighted with the decision.

“This has been an incredibly hard time for our members at classes around the country,” said Vicky.

Local coaches

“Our little didi stars have missed seeing their friends both at school and at our classes and they have missed interacting with our local coaches who they are used to seeing and having fun with every week.

“And, as a parent of two young boys myself, I know exactly what parents have been going through during this latest lockdown trying to work and homeschool at the same time.

“I am delighted that my own children can return to school from March 8 and I am delighted that our didi rugby classes can re-start outdoors from March 29.”

didi rugby classes saw a huge uplift in numbers after the first national lockdown in 2020 came to an and Vicky says she – and her coaches around the country – are expecting an even bigger uptake this time around.

Sporting activity

“It came as no surprise to us that after being stuck inside for so long during last Spring and early Summer, children and parents were desperate to get back to some organised sporting activity,” said Vicky.

“We made sure that, as soon as we got the green light to return, we had safety procedures in place to offer security to children, parents and our incredible band of coaches.

“When parents saw what we were doing to make our classes as safe as possible, the support and trust we got in return was incredible. Our classes filled up again and we made sure that our part of the bargain also included having lots of fun.

“We have been through the process of starting again from lockdown before so we are primed and ready to get our sessions back up and running again and we can’t wait to see our didi stars and their parents back having some fun and learning with us.

Online activities

“I just want to personally thank our wonderful local coaches, members and ambassadors who have stuck by us during lockdown and supported us by attending the range of online activities we have provided.”

All local coaches will be in touch with current members to inform them of the dates of times of their upcoming classes.

Indoor classes are allowed to resume from April 12.

Anyone parent wanting to book a free taster session for their child can find their local class online at www.didirugby.com under the ‘Find a Class’ tab.

Watch More: Can you complete Vicky’s Lockdown Challenge…?

February 22, 2021February 22, 2021

didi rugby live half-term sessions reaches over 30,000 people

didi rugby’s live online coaching sessions on Facebook during the February half-term reached over 30,000 people.

The ‘didi rugby half-term squad’ offered varied skills sessions every morning at 9am – thanks to Vicky Macqueen from didi rugby Midlands, Vicky Alexander from didi Rugby Cobham, Kerri Arlando from didi rugby Grantham, Ros Wiggins from didi Rugby Stone and Stafford and Keith Smith from didi rugby Cheltenham.

Jodie Ounsley doing a Facebook live broadcast for didi rugby

And there was also England international Jodie Ounsley and Wales international and coach of didi Rugby South Wales, Robyn Lock doing Skills and Storytime sessions on Wednesday and Friday evening at 6.00pm.

Add to those figures, the numbers from previous Skills and Storytime live broadcasts by the likes of England internationals, Heather Fisher, Nolli Waterman, Natasha ‘Mo’ Hunt and Sarah Hunter mean that over 85,000 people have been reached by didi’s special live broadcasts on Facebook.

didi rugby live

didi rugby CEO and founder Vicky Macqueen said the figures showed just how well didi rugby live had engaged with members and their families during the latest lockdown.

“We knew from the first national lockdown in 2020 that our online offerings gave parents and children a big buzz during what was a difficult time at home for everyone.

“So, we were determined to make sure that we kept our didi stars busy, active and having fun during the latest lockdown too. We pledged to keep our members busy and give them something to look forward to every week and, with the help of our amazing didi rugby ambassadors and our wonderful coaches around the country, we have done that.

Having fun

“Until our classes are allowed to re-start again outside, we will be continuing to make sure our members are engaged and having fun.

“We were determined not just to leave our members to themselves during lockdowns and wanted to give them a chance to engage with their local coaches that they are used to seeing every week, as well as our high-profile ambassadors.

“The feedback we have received from our members has been wonderful and some of the pictures we have been sent of children taking part in our online classes has melted my heart.”

WATCH: When will didi rugby classes be back…?