Welcome Bristol School of Performing Arts – Proud Sponsors of Yate Rugby

At Yate Rugby, we are proud to say that our club is built on passion, community, and a shared belief that sport can change lives. That’s why we’re absolutely thrilled to announce our newest sponsor – Bristol School of Performing Arts (BSPA)!

This partnership is about more than just rugby. It’s about giving young people the tools, confidence, and opportunities to grow – whether that’s on the pitch or on the stage.

Who Are Bristol School of Performing Arts?

Bristol School of Performing Arts develops hearts, minds, bodies & passion for performing. With highly motivated industry professionals leading the way, BSPA provides training that builds confidence in performance and, just as importantly, in socialisation. Their mission is simple: to give hope and possibilities for all ages to achieve.

You can find out more about them at 👉 www.bspa.uk

Why Bristol School of Performing Arts Chose Yate Rugby

Dan’s friendship and passion for this club played a big part in BSPA’s decision. But beyond that, BSPA recognised the same values in rugby that they hold dear – teamwork, friendship, discipline, and personal growth.

As they shared with us: “Rugby is a great disciplined sport, and it provides such a strong foundation for developing children and young people.”

We couldn’t agree more.

Community at the Heart

BSPA sees themselves as a family, and giving back to the community is central to what they do. That’s why partnering with Yate Rugby made sense – together, we can create opportunities for more children and families to access sport, for free, in a safe and welcoming environment.

Their belief in the power of grassroots sport mirrors our own: sport is more than exercise. It’s a space for friendship, resilience, structure, and positive role models – and it has a huge impact on young people’s mental and emotional health.

Making a Difference, Together

Through their support, BSPA is helping us continue our mission of offering FREE rugby to all children and young people, while expanding opportunities for families who may not otherwise have access to sport.

Their message to the Yate Rugby family is simple but powerful: “Dare to dream and believe in yourself.”

With that kind of inspiration driving us forward, we’re excited to see what this partnership brings for both BSPA and Yate Rugby.

A Huge Thank You

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Bristol School of Performing Arts for believing in what we do here at Yate Rugby Academy. With your support, we’ll continue to build a club that’s inclusive, family-focused, and a real force for good in our community.

This is just the start – and we can’t wait to grow together.

To learn more, find us on Facebook Bristol School of Performing Arts or Instagram Bristol School of Performing Arts

From Bears to Yate, Whitehall and Quins: Welcoming Coach Sam Rogers to Our U14s

At Yate Rugby Academy, we’re always looking for ways to grow, support, and inspire the next generation of players and that goes for our coaches too. This season, we’re thrilled to

welcome Sam Rogers to our U14s coaching team, bringing with him experience from the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Bears Academy Pathway and his journey through the England Rugby Advanced Coaching Award.

Sam’s arrival has been nothing short of inspiring, not just for the team but for the whole Academy.

A Journey That Started With One Question

Sam shared that his path to the team began with a simple LinkedIn post asking if any club could support him as he worked toward his coaching qualification. When he was contacted by Matt Kitson, one of Yate Academy coaches, he didn’t quite expect the response he got.

“The first thing Matt asked me was, ‘How can WE help you?’ It wasn’t about Yate, or the team, or the Bears—it was purely about supporting a fellow coach. That really stuck with me.”

What followed was a conversation that hooked Sam immediately. The story of three clubs; Bristol Harlequins, Whitehall, and Yate coming together to form one U14s squad resonated deeply with him. “Three clubs putting their badges to one side, just to give kids the chance to play rugby, that’s worth nurturing. I knew I had to be part of it.”

Vision for the Season

Sam’s vision for the U14s is clear: help players towards their goals off the back of strong team spirit where players care.

“The lads are so dedicated. They turn up, train hard, and want progress. Pre-season was tough, I wasn’t looking forward to broncos or shuttles, but when all the coaches and even some parents joined in, the competition and energy just fuelled this amazing team spirit.

That’s my goal for the season: grow as individual players and support each other as a group. When we’re up, we celebrate each other, and when we’re down, we look after each other.”

More Than Just Rugby Skills

For Sam, coaching isn’t just about passing, tackling, or running lines. It’s about strong team values.

“In the first few weeks, I wanted to sit back and watch the dynamics of the team. But the lads pulled me straight in. I was introduced as a coach from day one, reviewing training plans, calling plays, and working alongside the other coaches. Before long, I wasn’t just a guest coach, I was part of the Yate/Whitehall/Quins coaching team. And I am 100% invested for the season.”

Why THIS team Feels Special

When asked what excites him most about being part of this Rugby team, Sam didn’t hesitate:

“The lads. They want to be here. They want to be one group. They want to develop. And they’ve got an amazing group of coaches, parents, and volunteers behind them who care deeply for them and want to share their passion and knowledge.”

That commitment, Sam says, is what makes this squad and these clubs so great to work with.

Advice for Young Players

Sam’s advice for anyone new to rugby is simple:

“Give it your best go. Ask LOTS of questions. And there’s a part of the game that everyone can love”

Because at the end of the day, rugby isn’t just a sport—it’s about being curious, becoming confidence, and having a community.

We’re so excited to have Sam on board, and we can’t wait to see how his experience, passion, and energy help shape the future of our U14s team. Welcome to OUR Rugby family, Sam, you’re already making an impact!

🌟 Yate Rugby Academy U9s Shine at Ashton Gate Community Day 🌟

Hi everyone, Rugby Rose here, and let me tell you, the Yate Rugby Academy U9s had a weekend they’ll never forget!

On Sunday, our young stars swapped the training pitches of Yate for the big stage at Ashton Gate, joining the Bristol Bears Foundation’s Community Day tournament. And wow — did they rise to the occasion!

Under glorious sunshine, the U9s ran out with energy, smiles, and plenty of determination. From the very first whistle, you could see how much they’ve learned in training, strong tackles, sharp passing, and some fantastic tries. But more than that, it was the way they played for each other that stood out. Every single player worked hard for their teammates, and that’s what rugby is all about.

The support on the side lines was just as special. Parents and families cheered every run and every tackle, creating a buzz that kept the team going. The pride in the air was clear and deserved!

And it wasn’t just about rugby. After a busy morning of matches, the squad got to let their hair down with stadium entertainment. A foam party and disco? Yes please! Laughter, bubbles, and dance moves galore — it was the perfect way to celebrate.

The day finished with an unforgettable treat — the U9s joined thousands of fans inside Ashton Gate to watch Bristol Bears vs Leicester Tigers in a thrilling Premiership clash. For many of the team, it was their first time watching live top-flight rugby, and the atmosphere was electric. You could see the inspiration in their eyes — maybe one day we’ll see a few of these U9s out on that very pitch!

For me, this day wasn’t just about rugby. It was about community, friendship, and memories that will last a lifetime. The smiles at the final whistle said it all: this team isn’t just learning rugby, they’re falling in love with it.

Well done, Yate U9s, you made your club, your coaches, and your families proud. 💛💙

Until next time,

Rugby Rose 🏉✨