Coaching the Future – Our Next Chapter at Yate Rugby Academy From Matt Hill, Head of Coach Development

When we rebranded from Yate Youth & Minis to Yate Rugby Academy, it wasn’t just a name change—it was a mindset shift. It was about creating something bigger, something that would drive growth and excellence not just for our young players, but also for our volunteers, coaches, and even future referees.

And now, as we wrap up our first full year of coach development, I can proudly say—we’ve made incredible strides.

A Club That Grows Together

We made a promise as an Academy to invest in people, and that’s exactly what we’ve done.

This year, we have more qualified coaches across all age groups than ever before in the club’s history. We’ve helped coaches move through:

Tag coaching qualifications

Contact Rugby courses

England Rugby Coaching Award

And it’s not just coaching—we’ve sponsored and supported referee development too, because we all know: no ref = no game.

Volunteers Are the Heartbeat

At the grassroots level, every club relies on its volunteers—but what makes Yate Rugby Academy different is how much we believe in supporting and growing them.

Our coaches are the heartbeat of the club. They’re the first ones there, the last ones off the field, and the driving force behind the kids' progress. Watching them set up cones in the rain with a smile on their face says everything you need to know.

That’s why I was so proud to see Matt Kitson, Claire Wilson, Pete Thompson and Stewart Stacey receive Volunteer of the Year Awards this season. Their dedication has been off the charts, and it's amazing to see them get the recognition they deserve.

Introducing the Academy Sponsorship Programme

We’re not stopping here. This year we launched our Academy Sponsorship Programme—an exciting way for local businesses to invest in the future of rugby, right here in Yate.

Through this programme, companies can sponsor the Academy, and 100% of that money goes directly into coaching development for our older teenage players. We want to help them give back, grow as leaders, and start their own coaching journeys.

We’ve already had some brilliant companies jump on board, and more are joining us as we look to expand this initiative next season. The future’s looking bright—and it’s just getting started!

Paddock Sponsorship with Yate Rugby Academy​ | Yate RFC

Referees in the Making

One of the most exciting moments of the year was introducing our Under-15s to refereeing. With help from the RFU, we hosted an Intro to Refereeing course, giving our players a chance to understand the game from a new perspective.

It was an eye-opener—not just for the kids, but for everyone watching. It helped instil respect for the game, and a new appreciation for the people in the middle with the whistle.

Because let’s be honest: without referees, there is no rugby.

What’s Next?

This year was about defining our strategy.

Next year is about giving back and growing.

We’ve built a strong foundation—now it’s time to elevate it. I can’t wait to see how our coaches progress, how our teenage leaders step up, and how our Academy continues to set the standard for what community rugby should look like.

To all our players, coaches, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters—thank you. Your passion is what fuels this Academy, and together, we’re building something truly special.

Let’s keep going. Let’s keep growing.

The Heart of the Game – A Message from Nick Roberts, Head of Yate Rugby Academy

When you think about what makes Yate Rugby Academy special, there’s no question in my mind—it’s the players, the parents, and our incredible team of volunteers. Every week, rain or shine, our kids turn up with smiles on their faces and a willingness to learn, and their parents are right there beside them, cheering them on and supporting everything we do.

But let me be clear—without our volunteers, we simply wouldn’t have the thriving rugby family we’re proud of today. Whether they're coaching, reffing, putting up tents, or tidying up cones in the mud, they’re the unsung heroes who make this Academy tick.

🏉 So Many Highlights, So Much Pride

To be honest, there are too many highlights to pick just one. Watching my age group evolve into a formidable squad has been incredible. They’ve grown in skill, confidence, and most importantly, in their love for the game.

Under 9's

Our Under-9s have had an amazing season—making the leap into contact rugby with passion and purpose, becoming a real force to be reckoned with. Their growth has been one of the standout stories of the year.

Under 8's

Right behind them, our Under-7s and Under-8s tag sections are bursting with energy and talent. It’s going to be a real joy to watch them develop into contact players over the next couple of seasons. The foundations are there, and the future looks very bright!

Under 13's

Our Under-13s combination team is Another brilliant example of what can happen when the rugby community comes together. Coaches from different clubs have united, put egos aside, and created a supportive environment that’s allowed this team to flourish. The result? A season to remember, and a blueprint for how we build together.

Under 15's

And let’s not forget the rising momentum of our Under-15s. This group has shown tremendous growth in numbers and confidence. They’re starting to gel as a team, playing more cohesive rugby, and really showing signs of becoming a strong, collective unit. They’re learning fast, and next season will be all about pulling it together on the pitch and preparing for that exciting step into Colts rugby the year after. The future is bright for this age group, and we’re excited to be on the journey with them.

The inter-club match during the Family Day—organised by our fantastic chairman—was another highlight. It was a perfect example of everything that makes this club great: community, fun, and rugby at its best.

Behind all of that are the folks who keep things running—you might not always see them, but the amount of effort that goes into organising every fixture, every training session, every event… it's massive. And they do it with heart.

👧👦 More Players, More Fun!

Every single age group at the Academy has grown this season, which is brilliant—but we’re not done yet! We want even more children discovering rugby, building confidence, and making lifelong friends through this amazing sport.

Our school coaching sessions have made a huge difference too. Delivering after-school rugby has helped kids try something new in a fun, safe setting—and it’s working! We’ll be building on that success next season and beyond.

💙 Why Yate Rugby? Because It Feels Like Home

There’s something a little different about this club. From the Senior Men’s and Ladies’ teams, to the non-contact section and Academy, there’s a real sense of family and togetherness that runs through every part of Yate Rugby.

Everyone who walks through our gates is here for the same reason: to be part of something bigger than themselves. We support each other, we celebrate together, and we make sure everyone feels welcome.

So, if you’ve been thinking about getting involved—whether your child wants to give rugby a try or you fancy helping out on the side-lines—come and feel it for yourself.

You won’t just find a rugby club here, you'll find a rugby family.

🏉💙Nick Roberts

Head of Yate Rugby Academy

End of Season Reflections: Community, Growth & What’s Next for Yate Ladies Rugby

Written by Claire Wilson

As we wrap up our second season in the Inner Warrior Series, we’ve been reflecting on everything this year has brought us, both the challenges and the triumphs. It’s been a tough season at times, not just for us, but across the board. Several teams in the series sadly folded, and like many others, we’ve had our own battles with numbers. Unfortunately, that meant a few games didn’t go ahead, which was disappointing for everyone involved. But in true rugby spirit, that wasn’t the whole story.

One of the most positive things to come out of this season has been the strength of the local rugby community. We’ve developed fantastic relationships with nearby teams who stepped up (and allowed us to step up in return) to help ensure matches could still happen. Whether it was borrowing players, rearranging fixtures, or just sharing encouragement, that mutual respect and collaboration reminded us why we love this sport. Rugby really is more than just a game, it’s a community.

When we did get on the pitch, we had some brilliant matches. Hard-fought, full of energy, and most importantly, full of heart. Of course, not every moment was perfect. We experienced a couple of disappointing instances of unsportsmanlike behaviour from opposition teams. But I can honestly say I couldn’t be prouder of how our ladies responded, staying calm, focused, and always choosing to lead by example. We’ve built a team that values development, growth, and fun over results, and that attitude shone through.

This year also brought something incredibly exciting: 11 new team members! That kind of growth is rare and something to be celebrated. Each new face has brought fresh energy, new friendships, and strengthened the bond within the team. Watching returning players support and welcome newcomers, and seeing the team gel both on and off the pitch, has been one of the biggest joys of the season.

Through the highs and lows, we’ve stuck together. We’ve laughed a lot (had a few tears), worked hard, and supported each other in every training session and game. And now, looking ahead, we’re stepping into a whole new chapter: Next season, we’re joining NC3!

Moving into the league is a huge step for us. Naturally, there are some nerves, new challenges, new opponents, a different pace but mostly, there’s excitement. This is a sign of how far we’ve come. We’re ready to step up, ready to test ourselves, and ready to show what Yate Ladies Rugby is all about.

To every single player, to the local teams who supported us, to the friends and families who cheered us on, and to anyone who’s ever considered giving rugby a try: thank you. The story of this team is only just beginning, and we can’t wait to see where it goes next.

If you’ve ever thought about joining, now is the perfect time. Whether you’re a complete beginner or haven’t played in years, we’ll welcome you with open arms. Because at Yate Ladies, rugby isn’t just a sport. It’s a team. It’s a family.

Here’s to an incredible season, and an even brighter one ahead.

Follow us on social media to stay updated with all our latest news, upcoming matches, and events.

Together, we’re growing stronger, and we’re excited to have you along for the journey!

• Website: Yate Rugby

• Facebook: Yate Ladies Rugby

• Instagram: Yate Ladies Rugby

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Yate Rugby. Let’s keep pushing forward – with pride, positivity, and progression!