Rye’s new mayor Andy Stuart made his first official public engagement at Rye Rugby Club on Saturday May 11. A keen rugby fan and regular visitor to Twickenham, the mayor visited Rugbytots to highlight the work of head coach, Theo Bekker, in building four large classes of children aged 2-7. He was accompanied by Mayoress Niki Stuart, who is an avid supporter of the Welsh rugby team.
Rugbytots offers training sessions for children, teaching them how to catch, pass, kick, run with the ball and play as part of a team. Andy Stuart said he was delighted to be invited to watch the action on home soil: “The young kids went through a number of drills, including running with the ball and scoring tries, kicking and agility moves – and they all had beaming smiles throughout the session, which was brilliantly led by coach Theo, who taught skills, encouraged and praised all the youngsters throughout.
“Rugby is all about inclusion; whether a boy or a girl there is a place on the team for everyone, no matter their size, speed or kicking ability, and I hope the Rugbytots carry on with the game as they grow up, as their enthusiasm, commitment and skill was a joy to behold! I look forward to going back to Rye Rugby Club to see how they are getting on!”
Head coach Theo Bekker said he was honoured the club was the mayor’s first official engagement. “It was great for us the meet Andy, so honoured to have us as his first visit. The children were so excited to showcase their skills and how much fun we are having! I get a kick out seeing these Rugbytots bursting in confidence and skills! Most importantly seeing smiles on faces! As a Rugbytots Dad myself I saw what an activity like Rugbytots meant for my son and thought it to be awesome to give back to the game what I have learnt. Our main motto is ‘Always have fun’.”
Theo also coaches at nurseries and schools including Country Buttercups and Peasmarsh CE Primary School in the Rye area.
Rugbytots happens all year round with spring and summer sessions at Rye Rugby Club and autumn and winter sessions at Rye Leisure Centre.
Times for Rye Saturday sessions are:
2 – 3.5 yrs at 9am
3.5 – 5 yrs at 9.45am
5 – 7 yrs at 10.40am
Rugbytots is also available on Sundays in Hastings at Ark Alexandra Academy with 4 sessions. Taster sessions are available throughout the year.
Image Credits: David Angell .