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.