Northavon Blinds and the Parsons Duo: A Winning Partnership on and off the Field

At Yate Rugby, the sense of community is strong, and nowhere is this more evident than in the bond between our players, their families, and our sponsors. One such partnership that stands out is the connection between Northavon Blinds and the father-son duo of Luke and Jamie Parsons. With both Luke playing for the men’s team and Jamie representing the Yate Rugby Academy’s under-15s, this sponsorship is more than just a business relationship—it’s a family affair.

A Personal Connection to Yate Rugby

Paul Welch, the Managing Director of Northavon Blinds, has a deep-rooted connection with Yate Rugby. “I’ve been personally involved with Yate Rugby since my son joined the junior team, right from the early days of the club’s formation,” Paul shares. Over the past 4-5 years, Paul has not only watched his son grow through the ranks but has also dedicated his time as a coach for various age groups within the Academy. His first hand experience with the club’s values and community spirit made the decision to sponsor Luke an easy one.

“As a business owner, I’m proud to associate Northavon Blinds with the values of Yate Rugby. The exposure and advertising are great for my business, but more importantly, it’s about supporting a club that does so much good work in the local community. It’s a win-win situation, and I’d recommend sponsoring a player to any other local business owner. The cost of sponsorship is excellent value when you consider the exposure you get and the knowledge that your money is helping to support the club.”

A Sponsorship Rooted in Friendship

The connection between the Parsons family and Paul Welch goes beyond business. Jamie, Luke’s son, has been close friends and teammates with Paul’s son, Finley, for many years. “Jamie and Finley have been good friends for a long time, and I’ve spent many Sunday mornings on the sidelines with Luke, supporting the lads,” Paul recalls. “So, when Jamie mentioned that his dad was looking for a sponsor this year, it was a no-brainer for me to agree to sponsor him.”

Building Bonds Through Rugby

For Luke Parsons, playing rugby at Yate with his son has strengthened their relationship in ways he hadn’t anticipated. “It’s great for both of us playing at Yate—we support each other whether it’s training, match day, or even tag,” Luke shares. “Through training and supporting each other on match day, I think it’s strengthened our relationship for the better. I find it easier to communicate with Jamie, and it’s another way for us to spend some great times together.”

Luke’s proudest moment came when he saw Jamie score his first try for the club. “I was working a lot of weekends at the time, so to not miss it was a very proud moment. Playing rugby has impacted our lives in a positive way, making us stronger and fitter, but also socially. The club was really welcoming, and the coaches are patient with all players. It just feels really good to be a part of.”

A Son’s Pride and Growth

For Jamie, the bond he shares with his dad through rugby is something truly special. “It’s very special to me that my dad and I have something we can talk about, like games and fixtures. It’s brought us a lot closer together, and it’s nice to see my dad score tries for the first team—he only joined thinking he’d be on the second team.”

Yate Rugby has also had a profound impact on Jamie’s life outside of the sport. “Before, I used to feel left out in most things at school, but Yate Rugby’s changed that. The coaching has helped me make new friends, and as a family, my dad and I are the only ones who like rugby—my stepmum always feels like we’re at rugby! The club’s culture is amazing, and the sportsmanship from all the team and coaches makes it such a great place to be.”

A Winning Team On and Off the Field

The partnership between and the Parsons family is a shining example of the community spirit that defines Yate Rugby. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the relationships, the support, and the shared experiences that bring us all together. As we look forward to the season ahead, we’re excited to see the Parsons duo continue to thrive on the field, with the backing of a sponsor who truly understands and values the heart of Yate Rugby.

Join the Yate Rugby Family

We invite you to be a part of our journey, whether as a player, supporter, or volunteer. Come and experience the family atmosphere, the thrill of the game, and the spirit of Yate RFC.

Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

• Website: Yate Rugby Club

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Let's celebrate the passion, dedication, and growth that define Yate Rugby Club. Together, we can achieve greatness! Up the Yate!

Yate Rugby Academy: A Safe Haven for Young Players with Rachel Welch at the Helm

At Yate Rugby Academy, the safety and well-being of our young players are paramount. As a club deeply committed to creating a secure and inclusive environment, we’re fortunate to have Rachel Welch leading our safeguarding efforts. Rachel’s dedication to child safety extends beyond the rugby field, rooted in her extensive experience as an educator. Her passion for ensuring the physical and emotional safety of children and young people is the driving force behind the academy’s robust safeguarding practices.

A Passion for Protecting Our Youth

“As an educator, my number one priority is the physical and emotional safety of children and young people in my care,” Rachel shares. “It seems only natural that this passion extends into rugby at Yate. I see it not only as a legal duty but a moral one too.” This deep-seated commitment to child safety is evident in every aspect of Rachel’s role at Yate Rugby Academy. She works tirelessly to promote a safe and secure culture within the club, ensuring that all players, including those from vulnerable groups, feel protected and valued.

The STAR Scheme: A Testament to Our Commitment

One of the most exciting developments at Yate Rugby Academy is our partnership with STAR scheme, an initiative that reflects our unwavering commitment to inclusivity. “The partnership with STAR scheme is very exciting for me as this is a testament to our commitment to bringing rugby to all in an inclusive way,” Rachel explains. “It is already making a tangible difference to players and their families. People comment on the warm welcome and community feeling they get when at the club, and this is a testament to the work everyone does behind the scenes to ensure this safe and inclusive approach.”

The STAR scheme is just one example of how Yate Rugby Academy goes above and beyond to foster a positive environment. Rachel credits the club’s success to the collective efforts of everyone involved, from the dedicated coaches who volunteer their time each week to the tireless fundraisers who take on incredible challenges to support the academy’s work. “I wouldn’t be able to do my role without the driving forces at the club—to which there are many—from the coaches who commit their time for free week in, week out, to our wonderful fundraisers who do mad challenges to help us continue our work, to the Head of the Youth Section and Chairman. I’m thankful to them all.”

Always Striving for More

At Yate Rugby Academy, safeguarding is not just a one-time effort; it’s an ongoing mission. Rachel is constantly looking for ways to enhance the club’s safety measures and promote positive mental health. “There is always more work to be done as safeguarding never stops,” she emphasizes. One of the exciting new initiatives on the horizon is the introduction of ‘breakout areas,’ designed to further support the health, safety, and well-being of our young players. “I don’t want to give too much away ahead of their launch, but this is not the only thing to come when considering health and safety and positive mental health promotion, so watch this space.”

Rachel’s proactive approach ensures that Yate Rugby Academy remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for all. “We never rest at Yate and always strive to get better to further enhance the supportive environment at the club.”

Building a Stronger, Safer Community

Rachel Welch’s work at Yate Rugby Academy is a shining example of our club’s commitment to safeguarding and inclusivity. Through her leadership, the academy continues to grow as a safe haven where young players can thrive, develop their skills, and build lifelong friendships in a secure and positive setting. As we look to the future, we’re excited about the new initiatives that will further strengthen our safeguarding practices and enhance the sense of community that makes Yate Rugby Academy so special.

Meet Tim Keyte: Inspiring the Next Generation at Yate Rugby Academy's Under 7s

Welcome to the world of Yate Rugby Academy’s Under 7s, where the magic of rugby begins, and lifelong friendships are formed! We are thrilled to introduce Tim Keyte, our dedicated and passionate Under 7s coach. Tim brings enthusiasm, energy, and a deep love for the game, making him the perfect guide for our youngest players as they take their first steps into the world of rugby.

Why Yate? A Community Legacy

For Tim Keyte, Yate isn’t just a place; it’s home. Growing up in this vibrant community, Tim has always felt a strong connection to Yate Rugby Academy. Now, as a coach, he sees it as his turn to give back. "Yate is the community where I grew up, and this club is all about community. It's time to give back," he says with pride. Tim’s commitment to Yate Rugby Academy is a testament to the strong bonds that make our club a true family.

The Joy of Coaching: Watching Growth and Building Friendships

What does Tim enjoy most about coaching? It's the incredible journey of watching kids grow. "Watching the kids grow not only in skills and maturity but also building friendships and developing key social skills," he shares. For Tim, coaching is about more than just teaching rugby; it’s about nurturing young minds and fostering a supportive environment where children can flourish. The smiles, the laughs, and the moments of triumph on the field are what make coaching a rewarding experience.

Exciting Times Ahead: Building Teams and Facing Challenges

This season, Tim is especially excited to stay with the Under 7s, despite following his daughter from Under 5s to Under 8s. "I’ve had such fun with the U7s that I've decided to stay with this age group this season," he explains. Tim finds immense joy in seeing young players’ skills develop and witnessing the emergence of rugby players and team mates.

The upcoming fixtures and the much-anticipated tournament at ASHTON GATE with the Bristol Bears promise thrilling experiences. "How amazing is that? This will test all of their abilities, and I can’t wait to see what this team can do," he exclaims. For Tim, it’s all about having fun and showcasing what Yate can do on the rugby field.

Under 7s: The First Step into Rugby

Under 7s is a crucial stage where young players transition from basic catching and passing to becoming a TEAM. "This can be scary for some, but here at Yate, we are one big family, and we do this together," Tim assures. Our Under 7s have played their first game this season, and within the first few minutes, they learned that their FAMILY is with them on the pitch. They opened up and played rugby with all their heart. As a father and a coach, Tim couldn't ask for more.

The friendships and team spirit developing within this group are heartening to see. These bonds will strengthen as the players progress through the year groups, laying the foundation for a strong and cohesive team in the future.

At Yate Rugby Academy, we believe in nurturing young talent and fostering a sense of community. Under the guidance of dedicated coaches like Time Keyte, our Under 7s are not just learning rugby; they’re learning the values of teamwork, friendship, and perseverance.

Come down and support our Under 7s as they embark on this exciting journey. Witness the joy of rugby and the spirit of Yate Rugby Academy in action. Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

• Website: Yate Rugby Academy

• Facebook: Yate Rugby Academy

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Together, we can create unforgettable experiences for our young players and show the world what Yate Rugby Academy is all about. Let’s cheer on our Under 7s and celebrate the future of rugby!