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