Vicky Macqueen Archives

February 13, 2023March 20, 2023

didi rugby becomes a member of the British Franchise Association

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.

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.

“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.

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

May 27, 2022

NEWS: didi rugby sign new kit deal with SAMURAI

The word 'SAMURAI' in black text against a white backdrop

didi rugby have secured a new kit deal with one of rugby’s most recognisable brand names.

SAMURAI will be didi rugby’s official kit suppliers.

The business is one of the most respected kit producers across the world of rugby, cricket, netball and hockey. They also offer some stunning leisurewear for both men and women.

Leicester Tigers player Namani Nadolo wears a green top with SAMURAI branding on it — SAMURAI are Leicester Tigers official kit suppliers in 2022

SAMURAI have been making premium products for over 25 years and continue to shine as a leading global team-wear brand.

They are official kit suppliers to another one of didi rugby’s high-profile partners, Leicester Tigers (see above).

Vicky Macqueen

And there is a special link between the two businesses as didi rugby owner and CEO Vicky Macqueen explains.

“We are thrilled to be partnered with SAMURAI,” said Vicky. “I have personally represented SAMURAI on the rugby Sevens circuit and love the values and the ethos behind the brand.

“didi rugby’s values and mission is to grow the game at grass roots level getting more young children and their families involved in our amazing game.

“We are looking forward to working on this with SAMURAI for the good of the game and utilising our place in the market to inspire more young children and their parents to get involved in rugby.

kit

“Our bright red designs have always been popular with children and parents alike and we are excited about getting SAMURAI’s take on our kit out and about amongst our franchises across the UK.

Darren Bird, our Sales and Business Development Manager added: “SAMURAI are really excited by this partnership.

“It means a great deal to us to be able to support the next rugby generation and we’re proud to be associated with didi rugby’s fantastic vision.”

Find out more about SAMURAI

March 9, 2022

didi rugby and Leicester Tigers launch exciting new partnership

Leicester Tigers CEO Andrea Pinchen, didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen, Leicester Tigers Head of Community, Scott Clarke and the didi rugby and Leicester Tigers mascots

didi rugby are delighted to announce a ground-breaking new partnership with the best-supported rugby club in the country, Leicester Tigers.

As well as being current Gallagher Premiership leaders, Tigers have won the English domestic league 10 times and the European Cup twice. Their Mattioli Woods Welford Road ground holds over 25,000 people, as well as some memorable moments from the club’s 142-year history.

Tigers also have a proud and deep-rooted tradition of support for the local rugby community and the partnership with didi rugby will provide a pathway for the very youngest didi stars, right through to Leicester Tigers senior rugby for girls and boys.

Partnership

The new partnership will also be able to explore opportunities around matchday and schools provisions together and didi rugby look forward to working with Tigers across the whole country to get more children involved in the game of rugby.

The exciting development will run alongside Tigers+, the club’s expansive new programme to encourage more children to play rugby, and we will include pilot schemes to help local clubs with under-7s age-groups as a key source of recruitment of both players and coaches.

Vicky Macqueen, founder of didi rugby and head of the new women’s rugby programme at Tigers, said: “We are thrilled to be able to announce this partnership with Leicester Tigers and I am excited to work alongside the club to inspire children and their families to become involved in the wider rugby family.

Leicester Tigers

“Leicester Tigers share didi’s values in increasing participation in rugby and physical activity, and we want to give opportunities to engage in rugby to as many children and families as possible.”

Tigers chief executive Andrea Pinchen added: “This is another great initiative for the club to be involved in. We are taking a lead in getting people playing rugby as well as watching it, and partnering with a great organisation like didi will help us do this with our Tiger Cubs right across the country.”

didi rugby provides classes for children aged between 18 months and 6 years of age. Sessions are taught under governing body, the Rugby Union’s Early Years Guidelines, which didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen helped to devise.

Watch: What is didi rugby?

February 10, 2022

Local interest ‘tremendous’ for imminent launch of didi rugby Devon

The launch of didi rugby Devon is just days away and interest in the event has been ‘absolutely tremendous’ according to franchise partner Paul Tearle.

The launch takes place at Crediton RFC on Saturday 19 February with taster classes for all three didi age groups from 18 months up to 6 years of age.

Special guests on the day will be former England Women’s international, founder and CEO of didi rugby, Vicky Macqueen and local hero, Wayne Reed.

Vicky has an impressive CV and continues to develop it, having just taken on the role of Leicester Tigers women’s head coach.

Crediton RFC

Wayne has played rugby for Crediton RFC since he was a junior. In between then and now he has played for both Exeter and Plymouth whilst making numerous appearances for Devon.

Just as he thought his rugby career had peaked, a turn of events lead him to qualify to play for England deaf and he represented his country in a number of internationals.

Paul said: “We are privileged to have both guests at the event and the response we have had from the local community has been absolutely tremendous.

“We have had to extend some of our taster sessions and have now began taking bookings for our weekly sessions in March.

didi Devon

“The sport of rugby and the county of Devon have been synonymous with each other since the beginning of time.. and that has been proven once again with the numbers we have coming to our didi rugby launch.”

Paul says the didi Devon team are also grateful to host club Crediton RFC who, he says, have been incredibly supportive in the build-up to the launch.

Crediton RFC has seen a number of high-profile names come through the ranks including current Bath DoR, Stuart Hooper, Exeter Chiefs club captain, Jack Yeandle and the lesser known but hugely impressive Paul Harris. Paul has been recognised by England Rugby with their ‘President’s Value the Volunteer Outstanding Contribution Award’ for 50 years of service to the club.

“Crediton is proud of its ethos to the game and wants to include as many people as possible,” added Paul.

“As well as men’s and women’s teams, it supports hundreds of children from U9s through to U16s in both the boys’ and girls’ game under a club slogan of ‘One Big Club’.

Local venues

“And with that philosophy, they have welcomed didi rugby to allow more people to get involved in our wonderful game.

“I would like to thank Chairperson, Liz Goodman and committee member Jay Harris, for being particularly supportive in getting us up and running there.”

While Crediton RFC will be didi rugby Devon’s main hub, they will also be running satellite sessions across other local venues throughout the week.

The Waie Inn at Zeal Monochrum as well as Chumleigh Pavilions will run sessions on Wednesday mornings and afternoons respectively, with coach and PE teacher Dalton Dumont.

While on the other side of Crediton, Heathcoat Hall in Tiverton will be running on a Thursday with lead coach Andy Drayton.

The week culminates with a Saturday morning session of all three age groups run by lead coaches Andy Drayton and Steph Sansom.

For exact dates and times of all classes, contact dididevon@didirugby.com.

Find out more about didi rugby on our website.

WATCH: What is didi rugby…?

January 26, 2022January 27, 2022

didi announce partnership with Working With Parents in Sport

didi rugby are delighted to announce a new partnership with influential group ‘Working With Parents in Sport’ (WWPIS).

WWPIS supports organisations, parents and coaches in working together to provide children with the best possible sporting experiences.

Based in the UK, they work with sporting organisations on a global basis and provide unbiased information that understands the difficulties that parents and coaches face in today’s world.

England Rugby

Their partners include: the Youth Sport Trust, England Rugby and UK Coaching among others.

didi rugby’s partnership with WWPIS sees both parties come together to provide the young children and parents, who support didi classes, the opportunity to purchase customised ‘Our Sporting Journey’ books.

The books, which will be available soon, have been tailored for those specifically involved in the didi rugby programme and will encourage plenty of activity and interaction away from the classes, thus furthering their sporting education.

The ‘Our Sporting Journey’ series for didi minis (18 months to 3 years old), didi juniors (3 to 4 years old) and didi seniors (5 to 6 years old) incorporates two sporting years in each book with the cricket versions of the books likely due out later this year.

Our Sporting Journey

‘Our Sporting Journey’ is a series of interactive books for children, putting them at the heart of the sporting experience. They allow them to have plenty of fun, grow as people both on and off the field and immerse themselves in their sporting experience as they progress through their sporting journey.

The books all have plenty of activities for children and encourage positive interaction between children and their parents. They involve plenty of parental involvement, whether that be in having positive conversations, playing in the garden or helping to stick in the pictures that will allow everyone to build up a memory book that will last a lifetime.

A book cover featureing two vcartoon children in didi rugby kits — Our Sporting Journey

didi rugby founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen said it was a very exciting collaboration with WWPIS.

“We fully believe that our values and ethos as didi rugby are fully in-line with the wonderful work that WWPIS do.

Physically active

“We are all keen to get children and parents involved, at an early age, of realising the benefits that are to be gained from being physically active.

“This partnership will enable us to influence more families to get involved in physical activities from the age of our early didi classes (18 months) upwards.

“WWPIS have being doing some amazing work and, like us, are keen to promote healthy and active lifestyles, so we are delighted to be able to link up with them on this project.”

Gordon MacLelland, CEO of Working With Parents in Sport, said: ‘It is really exciting to be working with the didi team.

Involved in sport

“It is so important that children have the very best experiences of sport from the youngest ages, so they remain involved in sport and physical activity throughout their childhoods and into adulthood.

“Vicky and her didi rugby team are doing excellent work in this area and we hope the support that we can provide will further enhance their programmes.’

WATCH: didi rugby ambassador Emily Scarratt loves helping out at didi classes…

January 19, 2022January 20, 2022

didi rugby joins fight against rhabdomyosarcoma cancer

Jessica (right) with didi rugby CEO Vicky Macqueen

didi rugby are delighted to announce that children’s cancer charity Jessica’s Arc will be our official chosen charity.

Jessica’s Arc is one of the ‘arcs’ within Alice’s Arc, a charity launched to raise funds for funding research and finding a cure and less harsh treatments for rhabdomyosarcoma – a cancerous tumour that develops in the body’s soft tissues and mostly effects children and adolescents.

It is a battle that is very close to CEO Vicky Macqueen’s heart after her niece Jessica Macqueen died aged nine after a very short fight with the disease, just five months from diagnosis to passing away.

Vicky said: “The heartbreaking devastation of the loss of a nine-year-old to rhabdomyosarcoma has been hideous for the whole family and community.

Cancer

“For us to find out more about the cancer is now crucial to protect other families. It’s so underfunded at the minute and Jess didn’t really stand a chance with the lack of large scale investment in treatment for this rare disease.

“We are 100 per cent behind it and anything we can do to prevent this kind of heartache for future families to go through.

“That’s really important to me as one of Jess’ family members and also as CEO of a children’s activities company too.

“And it is super important to my brother and sister-in-law who lost their daughter.

rhabdomyosarcoma

“So didi rugby is officially taking on Jessica’s Arc as our chosen charity and we want to make a big impact on cancer research in this area.

“We will be delighted if anyone that can contribute to our cause.”

didi rugby will be hosting a series of fund-raising events in 2022 with a very exciting competition to follow later this month.

Jessica’s Arc will be sending any funds in its early stages, to Alice’s Arc.

Childhood cancer is the number 1 killer of children under the age of 14.
Over 4 new drugs have been approved in the last 20 years to treat childhood cancer.
160,000 children are diagnosed with cancer across the globe, every year.

Find out more about Alice’s Arc charity

January 5, 2022January 6, 2022

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.

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.

Book your child onto classes at Pleckgate High School Dance Studio, Blackburn.
Book your child onto classes at Mellor Village Hall and Field, Blackburn.
Find out more about Clitheroe RFC.

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

December 13, 2021December 13, 2021

didi rugby Devon classes to launch from February 2022

didi rugby is delighted to announce the launch of classes in Devon in mid-February 2022.

The announcement represents more good news for parents of children in the south west of England, following the launch of sessions in Cornwall in the summer of 2021.

didi rugby founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen says she is delighted to be bringing fun, excitement and activity to a rugby-mad corner of the country.

Paul Tearle and Gemma Carnegie will be heading up the new classes and the launch will take place at Crediton RFC on Saturday 19 February between 9.30am and 11.30am.

Crediton RFC

It’s a club that is dear to the heart of Paul, who started playing rugby aged 11.

“I have been a two-club man all my life and they are Crediton RFC and Sheffield Tigers RFC,” he said.

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

Paul works as the PE teacher in the local comprehensive school and has already 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.

Teaching

As well as teaching, he also 20 years of experience working at a successful holiday camp for children aged 3-15 which was recently voted ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted after its latest 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,” Paul added.

“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.”

Vicky Macqueen

Fellow coach Gemma is head of PE at a secondary school and has been teaching for 20 years.

She’s also been playing for two decades too and says she is a strong advocate of England Rugby’s core values of team work, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.

Theme which Vicky Macqueen highlighted were also driving factors behind the didi rugby ethos too.

“Paul and Gemma are going to bring lots of energy and enthusiasm to our didi rugby Devon classes and that is exciting for all involved,” she said.

“They have both got plenty of experience in teaching and a love of the game which they will pass on to the children and parents who are going to be coming to their classes.

“We have loved bringing our ethos of fun, activity and confidence to the children in Cornwall over recent months and Devon is another powerhouse of rugby activity so I am sure there will be many parents keen to start their children’s rugby journey at a young age and get them running around having fun at our classes.

“To be launching at Crediton RFC is great too. It’s a strong part of what we do as a business to build links with clubs local to our classes so that we can provide a natural pathway for kids to keep on enjoying the sport when they become too old for didi at the age of six.”

*** To book your child’s free taster session at the launch of didi rugby Devon please email – paul.tearle@didirugby.com ***

WATCH: What is didi rugby…?

November 30, 2021

Wales international Jasmine Joyce takes over didi rugby South Wales classes

The new owner of didi rugby South Wales, Jasmine Joyce runs with the ball in a red jersey

Hugely popular Wales international rugby star Jasmine Joyce will be the new lead of all didi rugby South Wales classes in the 2022.

Current sessions will remain in place across Swansea, Neath and Port Talbot and Jasmine is intending to add new venues to our offering in Wales throughout the New Year.

Jaz represents her country at 7s and XVs and was recently a big part of the GB team at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

She plays for the Bristol Bears in the English Premiership and has taken part in the Commonwealth Games and World Cup.

didi rugby is delighted to have such a well-known, talented and committed player join our winning team.

Jasmine takes over from Robyn Lock and Andrew O’Sullivan who are moving onto other ventures having done an amazing job of building up our didi rugby classes and spreading our values across south Wales over the past few years.

Jasmine Joyce

The founder and CEO of didi rugby, Vicky Macqueen, said she was excited to be working with someone who has unbridled passion for the game and getting more youngsters involved.

“It’s great that Jasmine Joyce has decided to join the didi family,” she said.

“She will bring a huge amount of passion to her classes and I am sure there will be lots of coaches in Wales who are going to learn so much from her.

“I am also certain that children who attend our classes in Wales will benefit from her knowledge, enthusiasm and experience.

didi rugby South Wales

“Jasmine is such a well-known star in Wales that I am sure there will be plenty of parents keen to meet her at classes too!

“We would like to thank Robyn and Andrew for all they have done for didi rugby in Wales and wish them all the best for their futures.”

didi rugby South Wales sessions will end for the festive period on December 19 and resume again on January 10.

Book your child’s place at any of our classes across the didi rugby South Wales offering by emailing info@didirugby.com
Find out where Jasmine’s classes will be held by visiting our ‘Find a Class’ page.

WATCH: What is didi rugby?

July 20, 2021

didi rugby Cornwall will fly out of the blocks in Truro

A boy runs away from chasers with a didi rugby Cornwall ball in his hand

One of didi rugby’s most exciting launches in years will take place in August.

didi rugby Cornwall will fly out of the blocks in central Truro on Saturday 21 August.

Fun for all ages from 18 months to 6 years will run from 9am to 11.30am with a real family activities day being planned for all.

The launch will take place at Boscawen Park and will be attended by didi rugby founder and former England international, Vicky Macqueen.

Boscawen Park

It will also feature former England star and didi rugby ambassador, Heather Fisher who will be playing games with children and signing autographs.

The launch is the first phase of plans that are being put in place by didi rugby Cornwall owners Chris Morrison and Ross Denning to spread didi rugby far and wide throughout this rugby-mad county.

“Sports that are fun and engaging is what we’re all about. The fact that it is through rugby, a game that we have tremendous respect for is giant plus,” they said.

“Cornwall has a long history of producing great rugby talent, from its county representation in the national championships to professional and international representation from the likes of Phil Vickery, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jack Nowell and Lucy Demaine to name a few.

Truro Rugby Club

“We are privileged to work with local rugby clubs and schools to bring the game to girls and boys from 18 months to 6 years.

“It’s a great privilege to be bringing the didi rugby brand to Cornwall. Vicky and the didi family have been nothing short of amazing and supportive on our journey to launching this great platform.”

didi rugby Cornwall have already formed a development link to Truro Rugby Club. Part of the didi ethos is to build partnerships with local clubs to offer youngsters a natural pathway to keep playing the game when they become too old for didi classes at the age of 7.

didi founder and CEO Vicky Macqueen said they were hoping to build links with other clubs in the county as soon as possible.

Getting children active

“Chris and Ross are keen to get as many children and parents involved in our wonderful sport as possible.

“They have a real passion for getting children active and having fun and have already been receiving some great sport from the local community as they put their plans in place.

“We can’t wait to get started at Boscawen Park.”

Classes on the launch date will run as follows…

minis – 18 months to 3 years – 9-00am to 9.40am

juniors – 3 years to 4 years – 9.50am to 10.30am

seniors – 4 years to 6 years – 10.40am to 11.20am

To secure your child’s free place, please contact cornwall@didirugby.com or visit our Find a Class page online and book from there:

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