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New didi rugby Lichfield owner owes a lot to childhood neighbour

didi rugby Lichfield owner Emelie Denham wears a red didi rugby hoodie

New didi rugby Lichfield owner Emelie Denham owes an awful lot to her childhood next-door neighbour.

At the age of 15, Emelie was at home one day with her sister Rosie when there was a knock at the door.

Neighbour Tom was standing there. He was off to play rugby for the first time at his local club and was nervous about going on his own.

Encouraged by his mum to ‘see if the girls next door wanted to come’, Tom asked if they fancied keeping him company. The two Denham sisters decided to go with him and try a new sport for girls who, at the time, played cricket (Rosie) and football (Emelie).

Lichfield Women

It was probably one of the best decisions that Emelie has ever made.

She has gone on to earn representative honours with the Wales 7s development squad and played in the Welsh Premiership, as well as for Lichfield Women in England.

She still plays as a hooker and prop for Lichfield Ladies, coaches the Staffordshire Women’s Under-16s and Under-18s teams and is soon to begin to study for her Level 3 coaching course.

Even Emelie’s day job is based around getting people active as a sports development officer in primary and secondary schools.

didi rugby Lichfield owner Emelie Denham wears a red didi rugby hoodie
didi rugby Lichfield owner Emelie Denham

didi rugby Lichfield classes

So, didi rugby is very lucky to have its newest franchise owner ready to spread the word and get more little children active in the area.

“I basically get lots of young people active and having fun,” says Emelie. “Encouraging them to get involved in events, refereeing and activities.

“It’s very rewarding. I have just finished with one group of Year 10s who I have been working with to teach them leadership qualifications.

Having fun

“I got into didi rugby by accident when a friend asked me to cover a class and I have been covering didi classes near where I live for the last five years! You could call me the ultimate cover teacher.

“When the opportunity to run the Lichfield area came up, I jumped at it and am really looking forward to seeing lots of new faces and having fun with the children and parents in the area around Lichfield Rugby Club.

“There’s no better feeling when working with any age group when you see children and adults who suddenly ‘get’ what you are teaching them. It’s great to see them enjoy what they are doing and having fun.”

didi rugby CEO

didi rugby CEO and founder Vicky Macqueen said Emelie has a huge amount to offer.

“We feel very lucky to have Emelie on board looking after the Lichfield area,” she said. “She has been involved with didi rugby for years and knows the programme inside out.

“She gets up in the morning to encourage people to be active and that is a great mindset for running didi rugby classes.

Lichfield Rugby Club

“Emelie is well-known in the area and has a lovely manner with children who I am sure she will inspire to have fun and learn new skills.”

Tom… if you are reading this…you did a good job!

didi rugby Lichfield classes take place at Lichfield Rugby Club every Saturday between 9am and 11.20am and cover age ranges from 18 months to six years.

Contact em.denham@didirugby.com for further information and to book a free taster session.

To see specific class times at Lichfield Rugby Club, visit our Find a Class page at https://didirugby.com/find-a-class.

READ MORE: Girls to have same opportunities as boys in extended school PE time.

READ MORE: didi rugby becomes a member of the British Franchise Association (BFA)

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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 Bristol: A family outlet for the Gullys

The Gully family, Rochelle, Simon and Tyler all wearing red didi rugby kit.

didi rugby Bristol leads, Simon and Rochelle Gully are looking forward to providing an opportunity for young children that wasn’t available for their son at such a young age.

Simon has a professional rugby career behind him, so he is excited to begin his new journey with didi rugby.

Because of the immense love and passion he has for the sport, he sees didi rugby as an opportunity for him to spend his weekend doing something he loves, as opposed to it being “work.” Simon currently works as a carpenter five days a week, so can’t wait to have didi rugby as his “fun day” of the week.

Simon is also a rugby coach at one of didi Bristol’s venues, Kingswood RFC.

Two ladies in a red top and a man wearing a red top and blue cap smiling.
The Gully family

Before meeting Simon, Rochelle had no experience with the sport.

“Rugby has given our family an outlet to grow closer and to bond over a sport we all enjoy,” Rochelle says.

“We are all season ticket holders at Bristol Bears, and we go to watch all the games. This allowed us to all grow closer as a family. Having two teenagers, it’s nice to go and experience something we all know and love together.

“We have been discussing the possibility of running kids rugby classes for a few years now but the timing never quite worked.

“This year seemed like the perfect time to make that jump, especially with our daughter Tyler now being 16, she can get involved with coaching at the classes.”

Young age groups

Their son, Lucas, started his rugby journey at four years old. Simon and Rochelle struggled to find him a class so young that best suited and supported his age and ability.

“We really struggled to find him a class at that age as no club really provided for such young age groups,” Rochelle said.

“The coach at a class which was slightly too old for him said to bring him along, but he was too overwhelmed to continue.

“If didi rugby had been around at the time, we would have 100% taken him to classes there.

“Because of this experience we had, we want to provide this opportunity for and build confidence in children from a young age.”

didi rugby Bristol launch party

didi rugby Bristol will be launching with an exciting event on Friday 9 September; with didi mascots Dougie and Daisy making a special appearance!

The event will be kicking off at Clifton RFC from 9:00am-12:00 Noon. The action will then be moving over to Pomphrey Hill Pavilion from 1pm.

The Gully family are all looking forward to meeting the kids, the rest of the didi team and to experience a brand new venue.

WATCH: Leicester Tigers and didi rugby launch exciting new partnership.

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The rugby-mad Gully family are launching didi rugby Bristol

The Gully family, Rochelle, Simon and Tyler all wearing red didi rugby kit.

A refreshing new outlook on children’s rugby will be launching in Bristol next month.

A family of complete rugby fanatics, Simon, Rochelle and Tyler Gully, will be bringing didi rugby to the area!

didi rugby Bristol will be launching with an exciting launch event on Friday 9 September! All visitors will be eligible for a free taster session. The event will be kicking off at Clifton Rugby Club from 9:00am-12:00Noon. The action will then be moving over to Pomphrey Hill Pavilion from 1pm.

Rochelle and Simon Gully stood on a large rock at the beach.
Simon and Rochelle Gully – didi rugby Bristol leads.

The Gully family

All visitors will be guaranteed lots of fun delivered by a Gully family who cannot wait to bet started.

Rochelle was introduced to rugby by her husband, who she watched play the game for two decades.

“It was inevitable that the kids would love it too,” she says. “I spend most Sundays in wellies and a raincoat being a supportive rugby mum.

“I can honestly say that being part of the rugby community has given our family a physical and emotional outlet, a shared love and a fantastic social circle. We have made life-long friends thanks to rugby.

Sports

“When my son started rugby he was overwhelmed and a little scared. If there had been a didi rugby back then, we could have introduced it to him earlier and made the transition to outdoor sports easier.

“I am really looking forward to supporting a new generation of rugby dads – and mums like me – to inspire their little ones to be brave and have fun.

Two ladies in a red top and a man wearing a red top and blue cap smile
The Gully family

Simon, was fortunate enough to grow up in a family who loved a variety of sports but he soon decided that rugby was his favourite.

“It combined all of my favourite elements of sport,” Simon said. “Skill, physicality, speed, endurance, control and teamwork.”

Simon’s professional career

Simon has played rugby for over 40 years and was lucky enough to play the game professionally too.

“I have bestowed my rugby passion to my children and have been able to support them in their rugby journey, as both their coach and biggest supporter, Simon said.

“I have played and loved rugby all my life. It is my passion, my challenge, my happy place! I have been coached by some of the best over the years and the respect I have for them is immense.

“I can’t wait to use all I have learnt to inspire the younger generation to love the game as much as I do.”

Local club

The youngest member of didi Bristol, Tyler Gully, was introduced to rugby by her dad, Simon. She started playing for her local club when she was 11.

“I am thrilled at the thought of coaching kids how to play the sport that inspires me and others across the globe,” Tyler said. “Becoming a didi coach will enable me to encourage young children to get active, develop new skills and, most importantly, have fun and make new friends.”

The Gully family are all looking forward to meeting new didi rugby superstars on 9 September!

WATCH: Leicester Tigers and didi rugby launch exciting new partnership.

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didi rugby Newcastle launch party

Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards wearing red didi rugby kit, holding their son, Oliver.

Bringing an exciting approach of children’s rugby to the North-East are rugby supporters, Hattie and Sophie Elliott-Edwards.

Our latest didi rugby franchise, didi rugby Newcastle, is opening with a launch party on 3rd September 2022.

The local area is home to a Premiership Rugby club in Newcastle Falcons and the sport has grown hugely in popularity there over the past decade.

didi rugby Newcastle leads

“Our son is our inspiration for becoming franchisees,” Hattie and Sophie said. “It is an opportunity we want for our son, who is a big driving force for us in bringing didi rugby to the North East.”

Hattie has previously played rugby with Lichfield Ladies RFC; starting off in the under 16’s and working her way up to the senior teams.

She had opportunities to play at regional and Premiership level, alongside some of the greatest players in women’s rugby. didi CEO, Vicky Macqueen and ambassadors Heather Fisher and Sarah Hunter.

Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards wearing red didi rugby kit, holding their son, Oliver.
Sophie and Hattie Elliott-Edwards, didi rugby Newcastle leads.

During her time at Lichfield, Hattie coached under 18s and under 16s at the club at regional level.

“I’ve gained so much from rugby and truly believe in the holistic benefits the sport can provide,” Hattie said. “I put so much of my successes in life down to the mind-set, social skills, teamwork and self-belief learned when playing and coaching rugby.”

The other half of didi rugby Newcastle, Sophie, is a teaching assistant specialising in early years and Special Educational Needs (SEN) education. She will bring with her the knowledge and facilitation of the social and educational aspects that didi rugby incorporate, including relevant key stages for early years.

“I believe in the inclusivity sport and all the positives it provides for young children,” Sophie says. “This includes increasing physical development, teamwork, building social skills and, most importantly, having fun.”

Get involved

Hattie and Sophie said: “We are looking forward to this new chapter and encouraging little ones to get active and to develop a love of physical activity from an early age.

“For our first venue, we have teamed up with Novocastrains RFC. They are a very proactive, friendly club and we are very excited to join forces with such a great club.

“Novocastrians already have a great junior section that any aspiring didi stars could progress to, after the age of six.”

Click here to book your child’s free taster session. Be quick! Spaces are limited.

didi rugby Newcastle Facebook.

READ MORE: Exciting new launch of didi rugby Bristol.

WATCH: Coach Jake shares his journey so far.

 

 

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Find a didi rugby class in Bristol

About didi rugby Bristol

Contact –  Simon on 07870 800294    facebook for didi rugby Bristol
roxy.gully@didirugby.com

Simon, Rochelle and Tyler Gully – didi rugby Bristol

About Simon, Rochelle and Tyler Gully

 

Simon Gully

I was fortunate to grow up in a family who loved a variety of sports but I decided that rugby was my favourite. It combined all my favourite elements of sport, skill, physicality, speed, endurance, control and teamwork.

I have been fortunate enough to have played rugby for over 40 years and in that time have played professionally, internationally and had the honour of wearing an England shirt.

I have bestowed my rugby passion to my children and have been able to support them in their rugby journey, as their coach and biggest supporter.

Why didi rugby?

I have played and loved rugby all my life. It is my passion, my challenge, my happy place! I have been coached by some of the best over the years and the respect I have for them is immense.

I can’t wait to use all I have learnt to inspire the younger generation to love the game as much as I do.

 

Rochelle Gully

I was introduced to rugby by my husband and have enjoyed watching him play for two decades.

It was inevitable that the kids would love it too, so I have spent most Sundays in wellies and a raincoat being a supportive rugby mum.

I can honestly say that being part of the rugby community has given our family a physical and emotional outlet, a shared love and a fantastic social circle.

We have made life-long friends thanks to rugby.

Why didi rugby?

When my son started rugby he was overwhelmed and a little scared. If there had been a didi rugby back then, we could have introduced it to him earlier and made the transition to outdoor sports a little easier.

I am really looking forward to supporting a new generation of rugby parents to inspire their little ones to be brave and have fun.

 

Tyler Gully

I was introduced to rugby by my dad and I started playing for my local club when I was 11 years old.

Initially, I was a little put off by the physicality of the game but once I learnt the skills, there was no stopping me.

My favourite position is flanker because I love being in the thick of the game and getting my hands on the ball at every opportunity.

I play for a grass roots rugby club which has an emphasis on developing skills and sportsmanship, thanks to this I have achieved the following:

Players’ player 2017

Coaches’ player 2018

Most improved player 2019

Gloucestershire County U13s

Gloucestershire County U15s

Why didi rugby?

I am thrilled at the thought of coaching kids how to play a sport that inspires me and others across the globe. Becoming a didi rugby coach will enable me to encourage young children to get active, develop new skills and most of all to have fun and make new friends.

Book a class in the didi rugby Bristol

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Find a didi rugby class in Newcastle and North East

About didi rugby Newcastle and North East

Contact –  07837 111239   facebook for didi rugby Newcastle and North East
sophie.elliottedwards@didirugby.com

Hattie and Sophie Elliott-Edwards – didi rugby Newcastle and North East

About Hattie and Sophie

Hattie has previously played Rugby with Lichfield Ladies RFC – starting off in the Under-16s and working her way up to the senior teams too. She had opportunities to play at regional and Premiership level, alongside some of the greats in women’s rugby including didi rugby founder Vicky Macqueen and didi ambassadors: Heather Fisher and Sarah Hunter.

During her time at Lichfield, Hattie has coached Under-18s/Under-16s at the club and at regional level too.

Hattie has gained so much from rugby and truly believes in the holistic benefits participation in the sport can provide. She attributes much of her successes in life to the mind-set, social skills, team working, and self-belief learned in playing and coaching rugby.

Hattie now lives in Northumberland and works for the NHS at The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle – where personal drive, team-working, personal and team leadership are essential characteristics; as well as bringing a little joy into people’s journeys through the healthcare system.

“It was a gathering with long-time rugby friends that brought up discussions with Vicky Macqueen about becoming a coach and franchisee,” says Hattie. “Now we are coming back into the rugby set-up and are keen to contribute to opening-up more opportunities for little ones to have fun, learn and get them active.

“We are also keen to develop the pathway into club rugby and the rugby community as a whole.”

Sophie is a teaching assistant specialising in Early Years and SEN education. She brings with her the knowledge and facilitation of the social and educational aspects that didi rugby incorporate (including relevant Key stages for Early Years).

Sophie is from the North East (originally a ‘sand dancer’ – as those from South Shields are known by in the North East) and has spent sometime in the West Midlands before returning to Northumberland, bringing Hattie with her.

Whilst Sophie has been introduced to Rugby by Hattie, it is through her work that she has seen how much sport impacts children in a positive fashion.

Sophie believes in the inclusivity of sport and in all the positives it gives to young children such as: increasing physical development, cognitive skills, teamwork, building social skills and promoting friendship, and most importantly having fun.

“Our son is our inspiration for starting a didi franchise,” says Sophie. “It is an opportunity we want for our son, who is a big driving force for us in bringing didi rugby to the North East.

“We are looking forward to this new chapter and encouraging little ones to get active and encourage a love of physical activity from an early age. We love the North East, and we are really excited to bring the didi rugby set-up and developing sport-based opportunities here.

“For our first venue we have teamed up with Novocastrians RFC. They are a very proactive, family friendly club (who have produced some amazing players from their set-up; including Sarah Hunter – one of the didi rugby ambassadors) and we are very excited to join forces with such a great club.

“Novocastrians already have a great junior section that any aspiring didi stars could progress into, after the age of 6 years old.

Book a class in the didi rugby Newcastle and North East

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didi rugby Nottingham Charlotte is flying high

Players from various rugby teams sit together in the stand at Burton Rugby Club.

Young didi rugby Nottingham coach Charlotte Chaston has been putting her rugby skills up against some of the best young players in the country.

Charlotte, daughter of didi rugby Nottingham lead, Marie, played for Loughborough Lightning in the National Centre of Excellence festival at Burton.

Players from all sides at the Burton Centre of Excellence
Players from all sides at the Burton Centre of Excellence

She joined players from Wasps, Saracens, Bristol, Exeter, Worcester, Sale, Yorkshire, Hartpury, Harlequins and Northumberland in a memorable day of rugby which showcased some serious skills.

Climbing the ladder to success

From being a Nottingham Moderns RFC Junior player through to one of the founding players of their girl’s section, the South Notts Sapphires, Charlotte’s love and passion for the sport is continuously taking her further and further.

She has played rugby since the age of eight. She Started with the boys’ team and later helped mum Marie set up the girl’s section at her club, the South Notts Sapphires.

didi rugby Nottingham

“She is now keen to help with coaching some of the younger girls,” Marie said. “She loves working with the young children at didi rugby and it has really helped to grow her confidence.”

Charlotte Chaston
Charlotte Chaston in didi rugby kit

“I am so proud of her. She has worked so hard to get where she is. Maybe one day we will see her pulling on an England shirt instead of a didi rugby one!”

Charlotte has now just turned 16 and is playing for Loughborough Lightning Under-18s Centre of Excellence.

Launching in 2019, didi rugby Nottingham hosts classes for children aged 18 months to 6 years.

Find out more by visiting https://didirugby.com/find-a-class.

READ MORE: https://didirugby.com/didi-rugby-launch-exciting-partnership-leicester-tigers

WATCH:  What is didi rugby…?

 

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High-flying Jaz is on the crest of a wave

Jasmine Joyce, posing with thumbs up, wearing red didi rugby hoodie.

New didi rugby South Wales owner Jasmine Joyce is not only enjoying packed didi classes and happy children’s faces, her own playing career is also flying high too. 

The Welsh Rugby Union has awarded 12 of the national women’s team a 12-month contract for the first time in history. It was no surprise to anyone at didi HQ when Jaz was in that selected group. 

This contract will give Jaz and her 11 other team mates more time to dedicate to their playing careers.

Jasmine Joyce

Passing on her congratulations to her Welsh team mates on social media, Jaz said: “This is such an exciting year for women’s rugby in Wales.”

It has been a long journey to the top for didi rugby South Wales’ lead coach Jasmine, who began playing rugby at the age of seven and ignored those who thought she was “too small” for the sport.

At the age of 12, she started playing for Haverfordwest RFC and joined the ladies youth team. In 2015, she was selected to play for the Wales women’s national rugby sevens team for the Dubai Sevens tournament. 

Since then, she has gained 20 caps for Wales having made her debut in 2017 against Scotland. She has also played for Wales Sevens on numerous occasions and represented Team GB at the 2016 Olympics in Rio and 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Jasmine was also ranked 3rd in the Guardian’s list of Players of the Year in 2021, described as ‘a trailblazer for women’s rugby, in every sense’. 

didi rugby South Wales takeover

Having taking over the leadership of didi rugby South Wales from fellow international Robyn Lock at the end of last year, Jaz now drives 16 classes a week in five different South Wales locations.

didi rugby South Wales classes are flying high!

To get your children involved in didi rugby classes, visit our ‘Find a class’ page.

Read more:  Exciting new start for didi rugby Blackburn and Ribble Valley.

WATCH…

 

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Find a didi rugby class in Devon

About didi rugby Devon

Contact – 01837 83748   facebook for didi rugby Devon
dididevon@didirugby.com

Paul Tearle and Gemma Carnegie  – didi rugby Devon

About Paul Tearle

I started playing rugby as an Under-11 inspired by my peers when I started secondary school.

Since then, I have been a two-club man all my life and been part of Crediton RFC and Sheffield Tigers RFC at various times in my life.

Now back at Crediton, I’m threatening to put my boots back on at some point!

I work as the PE teacher in the local comprehensive school and we have built fantastic links between the school and the club, sharing facilities, coaches and creating a pathway for those that enjoy the game at school and want to develop further at the club.

As a teacher, I was certainly ‘Jack of all trades’ rather than a specialist, having had national level experience in both athletics and volleyball, as well as local level basketball and football as I grew up. Those sports were always threaded between playing rugby throughout my life.

In addition to teaching, I have 20 years of experience working at a successful holiday camp for children aged 3-15 too.

Over the last 10 years, I have run that business and was delighted when it was rated as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted in our last inspection.

Having met many inspirational people through the sport of rugby, the opportunity to be involved with didi rugby materialised through meeting people with a shared passion for the game and its values.

Integrating my background of teaching and business and love for the game made it an easy decision to take on a didi franchise in the hot-bed of rugby here in Devon.

With two primary-aged children of my  own, I am familiar with the challenges of parenting and getting involved with didi will offer many parents locally another outlet for children to develop and flourish in a safe and positive environment.

About Gemma Carnegie

Degree from University of Brighton
Head of PE at a secondary school.
Teaching for 20 years
Rugby player for 20 years… fly-half,
Favourite player – Johnny Wilkinson!
Fantastic role model for women’s and girls rugby.
Hobbies include anything active, hiking, climbing.
Strong advocate of England Rugby’s Core Values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.

Book a class in the didi rugby Devon