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didi rugby coach Caitlin Clark makes debut for Wasps Women

A lady rugby player called Caitlin Clark smiles while wearing a blue sports top

didi rugby coach Caitlin Clark has made her Premier XVs full debut for Wasps.

It has been a whirlwind few weeks for 20-year-old Caitlin, who developed her love of the game while coaching youngsters at didi rugby Reading classes.

A lady rugby player called Caitlin Clark smiles while wearing a blue sports top
Caitlin Clark

She has also helped out England star and didi franchisee, Alex Matthews at didi rugby Worcester sessions too.

But now, it’s Caitlin’s chance to shine on the big stage as she made her debut against Worcester and looked very much a part of the action.

Centre of Excellence

The game was a thrilling high-scoring affair with visitors Wasps on the wrong end of a 57-28 scoreline.

Caitlin began making moves as a member of England Under-18s while training at the Wasps Centre of Excellence.

She them played for Worcester RFC in Championship 1, while also captaining her Worcester University side, where she is studying Sport Psychology.

didi rugby coach Caitlin Clark with a young boy at a class
didi rugby Reading coach Caitlin Clark a few years ago

Caitlin was called up two weeks ago to train with Wasps senior team and, just two weeks later, signed for them for the rest of the current season.

This means she will combining her studies with travelling back and forth to London.

Franchise holder

It’s something that mum – and didi rugby Reading joint franchise holder – Donna Clark thinks she will take in her stride.

“As parents we are always extremely proud of her tenacity, strength and determination both on and off the pitch,” said Donna.

“Over the last few days, people around her in her life at Worcester have reached out to us to tell us how coachable and dependable she is and how supportive she is of others.

“This only makes us beam with pride and we can’t wait to see what she achieves next!”

Exciting times

It is an exciting time for members of the didi rugby family at the minute.

Along with Caitlin’s news, didi rugby Nottingham coach Charlotte Chaston is making waves within the Loughborough Lightning Centre of Excellence set up.

Meanwhile, didi rugby Leicester franchise owner Jenny Burrows has recently been an assistant referee at an England Under-18 Women’s international.

A girl in a purple rugby top gives both thumbs up to the camera
Charlotte Chaston

didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen said: “We are all delighted for Caitlin. She was much loved by the children and parents at didi rugby Reading classes and I am sure her Wasps team mates and coaches feel the same way about her.

“Everyone at didi rugby will be watching her play with interest and can’t wait to see what she can achieve on and off the field.”

READ MORE: didi rugby gets accepted by the British Franchise Association

WATCH… How to become a didi rugby franchise owner like Donna Clark…

 

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didi rugby becomes a member of the British Franchise Association

A green background with the words 'BFA emerging' on it

didi rugby has been accepted as a new member of the industry leading British Franchise Association (BFA).

The link will give didi rugby access to a wide range of resources and information that will enable the business to grow and offer a better service to franchisees, parents and children alike.

A green background with the words 'BFA emerging' on it

didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen has said the news is a ‘huge step for everyone involved in the business’.

The BFA is the UK’s voluntary self-regulatory body for franchising. It is a membership organisation that promotes ethical franchising practices and supports the growth of the franchising industry in the UK.

BFA member

Joining the BFA as a member has many benefits for franchisees, franchisors, and other professionals in the franchising sector.

The BFA provides members with access to best practices, industry news, and networking opportunities. They offer a range of training programs, seminars, and workshops.

didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen
didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen

“It’s a really big thing for us all at didi rugby and I would like to congratulate everyone involved with our application,” said Vicky.

“I would also like to thank our wonderful franchisees around the country who gave the BFA such good feedback when they were asked to rate our performance and support as a franchise business.

Benefit for franchisees

“Becoming an ’emerging’ member of the BFA will benefit both us and our franchisees because it opens up a whole host of resources and events which will enable us to maintain our drive for continual improvement.

“Everything we learn can be passed down to our franchisees to help them grow and run increasingly successful businesses of their own.

“Ultimately, our customers will benefit too because they will be attending exciting, fun and well-run classes by highly motivated coaches and franchise owners.”

‘The didi brand will benefit from increased exposure as well as the support and guidance of the BFA. We are really excited to make the most of our partnership.”

didi rugby now shares membership with a BFA organisation that also includes the likes of: Subway, Burger King, Costa, Clarks, Camping and Caravanning Club, Dyno-Rod and McDonalds among its established members.

The BFA is the original and largest not-for-profit trade association for franchising in the UK and has been running for over 40 years.

British Franchise Association membership

It is the only association to work in partnership with the European Franchise Federation (EFF) and World Franchise Council (WFC), influencing standards and legislation across Europe.

The BFA says that its core aim is to “support and influence high quality ethical business format franchising in accordance with the European Code of Ethics”.

The BFA proactively collaborates with government, academia, the media, other trade associations and the UK public on what constitutes franchising best practice. It seeks to educate, influence and provide advice and guidance about what franchising is and the fantastic opportunities available via this business model.

didi rugby is committed to providing high standard classes for our customers as well as high standard support for our franchisees.

If you are interested in joining our passionate didi rugby team and exploring a range of live franchise opportunities near where you live, please scan the QR code below with the camera on your smartphone to find out more.

Read more: didi rugby is the ‘way forward’ for Old Coventrians

Read more: Meet our amazing didi rugby ambassadors

A QR code for didi franchising information
Scan this QR code for more info on didi rugby franchise opportunities

 

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Book a didi rugby birthday party in the Lutterworth area

Book a didi rugby birthday party in the Lutterworth 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 Lutterworth area. They are ideal for anyone living in: Lutterworth, Cotesbatch, Bitteswell, Ashbyparva, Magnaparva, Ullesthorpe, Leire, Gilmorton, Walcote, Swinford.

Your choice of venue anywhere in the Lutterworth didi rugby area

click here to find out more about didi rugby Lutterworth

Contact didi rugby Lutterworth – 07970 433452  
hannah.faulds@didirugby.com

A rugby player kicks a rugby ball off the ground

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Find a didi rugby class in Lutterworth at Lutterworth Rugby Club

Find a didi rugby class in Lutterworth at Lutterworth Rugby Club

Introduce your children to rugby with didi rugby classes at Lutterworth Rugby Club in Lutterworth. 

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance.   We provide a positive, safe and friendly environment where children learn and develop social skills while they have lots of fun!  (and there is an opportunity for parents to make friends too!)

There are three age group classes: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six held every Saturday morning during term time.

Follow the links below to

  • Book a FREE taster sessions (available for each class)
  • Join a New Term Open sessions
  • Book into half term and Holiday camps

didi rugby Lutterworth is led by Hannah Faulds.  A qualified England Rugby Coach Hannah has a wealth of experience working in nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and as an extra bonus with coaching qualifications with England Athletics and England Netball Hannah designs sessions that provide a full range of transitional skills to support physical activity and social development.

These classes are ideal for children living in:
Lutterworth, Cotesbatch, Bitteswell, Ashbyparva, Magnaparva, Ullesthorpe, Leire, Gilmorton, Walcote, Swinford

Lutterworth Rugby Club

Ashby Lane
Bitteswell
Lutterworth
Leicestershire
LE17 4AW

Ran by didi rugby Lutterworth
Contact Hannah Faulds – 07970 433452  
hannah.faulds@didirugby.com

Payments

didi rugby is membership based with fees based on delivering of 38 weeks of sessions during school terms.  The fees for 38 weeks of classes are totalled and divided between 12 equal monthly payments.  From previous experience our customers prefer this ongoing arrangement as there are 12 equal payments rather than paying varying amounts and no re-enrolments are needed.  Your didi rugby membership entitles you to 38 sessions during school terms; special offers for classes, discounted school holiday camps; didi rugby presentation and ambassador events.

Alternative payment option

Cannot commit to every week.. didi rugby Lutterworth also offers a voucher scheme, if you are not sure you can attend on a regular basis you can buy four, six or ten vouchers.   Once you have created an online account you can select the dates you can attend, equally we will mark your attendance at each session.

Create an account and choose your payment options..

Added Extras!

didi rugby Lutterworth runs an awards scheme based on attendance.  Awards include didi rugby merchandise such as story book, pencil case and boot bag.

A rugby player kicks a rugby ball off the ground

Book a Class

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Find a didi rugby class in Lutterworth

Introduce your children to rugby with didi rugby classes in Lutterworth

Contact –  Hannah on 07970 433452    facebook for didi rugby Lutterworth
hannah.faulds@didirugby.com

Hannah Faulds – didi rugby Lutterworth

Our program is designed to get kids active, teach them new skills and improve their co-ordination, speed and balance.   We provide a positive, safe and friendly environment where children learn and develop social skills while they have lots of fun!  (and there is an opportunity for parents to make friends too!)

There are three age group classes: 18 months to three years, three to four and four to six held every Saturday morning during term time.

Follow the links below to

  • Book a FREE taster sessions (available for each class)
  • Join a New Term Open sessions
  • Book into half term and Holiday camps

didi rugby Lutterworth is led by Hannah Faulds.  A qualified England Rugby Coach Hannah has a wealth of experience working in nurseries, primary and secondary schools, and as an extra bonus with coaching qualifications with England Athletics and England Netball Hannah designs sessions that provide a full range of transitional skills to support physical activity and social development.

Book on a FREE taster below or get in touch with any questions you may have.

Payments

didi rugby is membership based with fees based on delivering of 38 weeks of sessions during school terms.  The fees for 38 weeks of classes are totalled and divided between 12 equal monthly payments.  From previous experience our customers prefer this ongoing arrangement as there are 12 equal payments rather than paying varying amounts and no re-enrolments are needed.  Your didi rugby membership entitles you to 38 sessions during school terms; special offers for classes, discounted school holiday camps; didi rugby presentation and ambassador events.

Alternative payment option

Cannot commit to every week.. didi rugby Lutterworth also offers a voucher scheme, if you are not sure you can attend on a regular basis you can buy four, six or ten vouchers.   Once you have created an online account you can select the dates you can attend, equally we will mark your attendance at each session.

Create an account and choose your payment options..

Added Extras!

didi rugby Lutterworth runs an awards scheme based on attendance.  Awards include didi rugby merchandise such as story book, pencil case and boot bag.

Book a class in the didi rugby Lutterworth

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didi rugby is ‘the way forward’ for Old Coventrians RFC

Children running, playing rugby

didi rugby is certainly ‘the way forward’ for Old Coventrians RFC mini and junior chair, Jane Waterhouse.

That’s no surprise give the 12 months that the club’s youngest age group have had since beginning didi rugby as a pilot scheme at their Tile Hill Lane home in 2021.

Old Coventrians welcomed the team from didi rugby Coventry and Warwickshire, led by Andy Fox, into their club to try and build from the bottom upwards and create a group of youngsters who could add numbers to their under-7s team.

Children running, playing rugby

Progression of didi rugby classes

As Jane explains, what started as a bit of a punt, has now created just the sort of influx of children – and parents – they were hoping for.

“I have been our mini and junior chair for a number of years now and we have around 200 children in our club from under-7s upwards,” said Jane.

“We started didi as a bit of a pilot scheme about a year ago and specifically targeted reception and Year 1 children so we could focus on having more members in our under-7s.

team spirit

“We knew we had some young children whose parents told us wanted to play rugby, so we welcomed didi rugby in and identified some pitch space for the classes too.

“A year down the line and didi has given us a ready-made under-7s team that is ready for mainstream rugby. They can already play rugby to some extent, catch and pass a ball and they also know about team work and team spirit too.

“Not only that but our didis have their own designated pitch space and love their sessions on Sundays. They have integrated well and are a real part of the club.

“The kids really enjoy it and we have had around a dozen or so kids move up into the under-7s which has really made a difference.

“We have also added new parents and they have become part of that special rugby family feel to the club which has been great to see for us.

“Andy Fox has been great and so have the coaches.

“didi rugby is definitely the way forward.”

didi rugby parents

Parents of didi children have also loved the inclusion of classes at the club.

Leonie said: “My child started with didi in their 4-6 section at Old Coventrians RFC in early spring 2022. The didi experience was excellent and the coach was so welcoming for children and parents.

“The sessions were always fun, different and really helped the children learn the basics needed for tag rugby. The didi programme also instilled a sense of team and belonging for my child which has carried on into joining the under-7s team at OC.

“Having didi at the foundation level of rugby has meant that quite a few of the under-7s have been confident enough to play in matches against other clubs very quickly.

“My child now has all the benefits of being a didi & OC’s player, like a strong team ethic, desire to learn new skills and most importantly, to have fun while playing rugby.”

Listen to instructions

Roni added: “didi rugby was a brilliant way to introduce my child to rugby. Then the transition from didi to under-7s was smooth because the children and parents already knew each other and the club set up.

And Kate said: “I think didi rugby was a very gentle way to settle kids into having to listen to instructions from an adult (ready for a coach), building up friendships with the other kids (helped them feel like a team more quickly when they moved to under-7s) and basic tag rugby with their sharks and fishes games.”

To find out more about didi rugby classes at Old Coventrians, contact Andy Fox on andy.fox@didirugby.com

For any more information about Old Coventrians mini and junior set-up, contact Jane on janewrfu@gmail.com.

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didi coach Emily gets national recognition in weightlifting

A woman in a blue leotard lifts a heavy weight above her head

didi rugby Harrogate’s assistant coach, Emily Barber, is familiar with success both on the rugby pitch and weightlifting mat. 

Emily started helping out at didi rugby classes in 2021 to complete her bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and hasn’t looked back since. 

A woman in a blue leotard lifts a heavy weight above her head
Emily competing in a weightlifting competition

She soon became a valuable member of the coaching team, assisting at weekly sessions and displaying a natural ability to engage and encourage the little ones with the activities. 

“I loved helping out and am very grateful for all the experience didi rugby has given me”, Emily says. 

Harrogate Rugby Club

 

“I really enjoy meeting all the future rugby stars, seeing how they develop every week and building a relationship with them – alongside learning new skills from the coaches.” 

Emily is a keen rugby player herself and has played a huge role in introducing the game to more girls at Harrogate Rugby Club.

“I started playing rugby when I was in Year 7 but there wasn’t much of a set up at my local club,” Emily says. 

A lady in a red top runs alongside a young boy, smiling, holding a rugby ball
Emily (right) has fun coaching

“Over the last three to four years, we worked hard to get more girls involved and now we can field a full team. 

“Harrogate rugby girls training and matches are so much fun and I’ve made so many new friends whilst playing.” 

didi rugby Harrogate franchise owners, Mike and Lucy Barnett, are very proud of Emily’s progression and so pleased that she has worked her way into the Under-16s Yorkshire Development squad. 

Olympic weightlifting

 

As well as being a star on the field, Emily’s has talents elsewhere too. 

To improve her performance on the pitch, Emily began weight training at Harrogate Rugby Club with her strength and conditioning coach, Podium Performance. Impressed with her dedication, her coach suggested she trialled for Olympic Weightlifting training.

She found a natural talent for lifting and has continued her weightlifting journey with coach Luke Stopford at Yorkshire Strength in Castleford. 

After building on her personal bests, she competed in her first British Weightlifting Tier 3 competition. 

Just 4 weeks after her first competition, Emily competed in the British Age Group Championships, a Tier 1 competition, which is the highest level in Britain for lifters aged under 23. 

National scene

 

Taking place in Birmingham, Emily burst onto the national scene and took 3rd place on the podium in her age group – a huge achievement. 

She says: “I have a busy year ahead but can’t wait to see where my rugby and Olympic Weight lifting training takes me in 2023.” 

“Emily is a fantastic young role model for all our didi stars!” say Mike and Lucy. 

“We are delighted to have her as part of our didi rugby coaching team.”

READ MORE: Free sessions and children’s book reading for nurseries and pre-schools

READ MORE: Find a didi rugby class near you

WATCH: See Mike Barnett explain why the didi rugby franchise model is so successful…

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Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Roefield Leisure Centre

Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Roefield Leisure Centre

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Roefield Leisure Centre 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, billington, langho, whalley, hurst green, Great harwood, Nelson, Blackburn

Roefield Leisure Centre

Edisford Road
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 3LA

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

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Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Waddington & West Bradford CE School

Find a didi rugby class in Clitheroe at Waddington & West Bradford CE School

Introduce your children to rugby at a young age with didi rugby classes at Waddington & West Bradford CE School 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, West Bradford, Gisburn, Barnoldswick, Slaidburn, Bolton-by-bowland, Hurst Green, Dunsop Bridge, Grindleton

Waddington & West Bradford CE School

West Bradford Road
Clitheroe
Lancashire
BB7 3JE

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

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NEWS: Free session and children’s book reading for nurseries and pre-schools

A blonde-haired girl crawls through a tunnel holding a rugby ball at one of our nurseries. She is smiling.

Would your children like a fun run-around while learning new skills?

Following that, would they like to then settle down to be read a book which promotes friendship and resilience?

Would your nursery or education establishment like to enjoy an exciting visit from one of the country’s favourite sports class providers?

Then give didi rugby Midlands a shout.

We are currently offering free taster sessions to nurseries and pre-schools in our area to give you an idea of what we can offer.

Physical activity

Our physical activity taster session will include all of the fun games that have made didi rugby so popular with children and parents alike across England over the last seven years.

Our sessions are in line with ELYS guidance with specific focus on movement, handling, physical development, communication, language and numbers.

Then, we will settle the children down and read them our fantastic children’s story book based on the lives of our friendly mascots, Dougie and Daisy.

‘Dougie Can Catch’ tells the story of a boy who struggles to catch a ball but with perseverance and the support of his group of friends, finally manages to learn to catch, with spectacular results!

You never know, Dougie and Daisy may be able to make an appearance too…

Nurseries and pre-schools

didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen said: “This free taster session gives nurseries and pre-schools in the area the opportunity to find out what has made didi rugby so popular around the country.

“We also offer didi sports in schools which extends our variety of offering to the likes of basketball, dodgeball and cricket.

“I am certain that the children who get to take part in a didi visit will have lots of fun and learn some valuable skills while doing so.

“We can’t wait to meet you.”

If you are interested in didi rugby delivering a free taster session or, to find out more information, please get in touch with us at info@didirugby.com.

WATCH: School children love the didi rugby festival…