🏉 T1 Tournament Triumph: Bringing Schools Together Through Rugby at Yate 💙

This past week, Yate Rugby Academy proudly played host to one of our favourite events of the season the T1 Schools Network Tournament! And what an afternoon it was. Filled with energy, inclusivity, passion, and most importantly, rugby values, it was a shining example of what sport can do when we come together for the right reasons.

With over 50 students from Brimsham Green, Yate Academy, and Chipping Sodbury School, the event welcomed a diverse mix of players—different ages, backgrounds, and genders all stepping onto the pitch to experience the fast-paced, non-contact game of T1 Rugby.

🌟 More Than Just a Game

At Yate Rugby, we’re proud to say that this wasn’t about who scored the most tries—it was about who played with the most heart.

The trophy wasn’t awarded for points, but for living the core values of rugby:

Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline, and Sportsmanship.

🥇 Congratulations to Brimsham Green School, who lifted this year’s T1 Trophy. Your team’s inclusivity, effort, and spirit on and off the pitch truly stood out. A deserved win in every sense.

👏 Player Shoutouts – Future Stars of the Game!

It wouldn’t be a Yate Rugby event without celebrating those standout moments that made us smile (and made referees run a little harder!):

• Sebastian, Riley, and Jed (Chipping Sodbury): These three brought the flair! Their dynamic, high-paced play would’ve looked right at home in an All Blacks match

  and they’re from three different year groups! Amazing chemistry and confidence on display.

• Harrison (Year 8, Yate Academy) and Alfie: Both showed outstanding positivity and mindset, supporting teammates and playing with genuine joy. Exactly what this tournament is about.

• Joe (Brimsham Green): Joe’s leadership stood out. His mission? To make sure every teammate got a touch of the ball. That’s rugby. That’s what makes a captain.

• Frayer (Brimsham Green): Confident. Committed. Fearless. Frayer mixed it with the boys and made an impact at every opportunity. A powerful example of inclusion in action.

  
  

🙌 Thank You, Team!

A huge round of applause to the brilliant PE teachers who make our Schools Rugby Network possible:

• Mr Allen (Chipping Sodbury)

• Mr Rivett (Yate Academy)

• Mr Powell (Brimsham Green)

And to Kirsty from Bristol Bears Community Foundation, thank you for jumping in to help referee and for continuing to champion the values we hold dear at Yate Rugby.

🚀 Looking Ahead

This tournament wasn’t just a highlight it was a moment of pride for everyone involved in our school's programme. It proves what we’ve always known: rugby has the power to unite.

Whether it’s through contact or non-contact formats like T1, the game gives young people a place to grow, express themselves, and build lifelong friendships.

We’re already excited for the next tournament in July 2025, and we’ll be working hard between now and then to grow participation even further.

If your school, business, or community organisation would like to get involved in our Schools Network or support our inclusive rugby programmes, visit www.yaterugby.com or message us on social media.

Because at Yate Rugby, we don’t just grow players—we build a community. 💙

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