Bicester RUFC have been awarded a once in a lifetime prize which will see them run out at the home of England Rugby at the 2020 Quilter Kids First training day as they have been announced as the Quilter Kids First Champions for February.
The club has successfully implemented the Quilter Kids First approach, with the club’s board championing the approach, which has resulted in a focus on upskilling coaches. A programme introduced by Bicester RUFC ensures that every age group has at least one level 2 qualified coach per age group, with the aim being for each age group to have two level 2 qualified coaches. The club pays for coaches to do regular CPDs so that they are well placed to deliver Quilter Kids First training sessions. The coaches are regularly in communication with each other about game and skill zone ideas for training sessions.
By focussing on upskilling coaches the club has been able to improve their player retention levels. Some players who had previously left the club have re-joined since Bicester RUFC adopted the Kids First approach, and in some age groups the number of players doubled.
Craig Morley, Club Director and Coach at Bicester RUFC said of the club becoming a Quilter Kids First Champion: “After a challenging year for the club with the loss of our home of more than 70 years, it is a massive honour and a lift for everyone at Bicester RUFC to be recognised as a Quilter Kids First Champion.
“The club’s new board has now been in place for just over 12 months and has set about transforming the culture and playing environment in the club, putting the Kids First ethos first and foremost into everything we do. But it is the volunteers, the coaches, the team admins and the mums and dads – and of course the children themselves – who turn up week in, week out to make Bicester a great place to play rugby who have achieved this. Without their commitment, a growing community club such as ours wouldn’t be able to grow the game in our part of North Oxfordshire.”
Every month, another worthy club or school will be selected for their excellent work in creating a great rugby environment, upskilling coaches, increasing participation and growing the female game from the under 7 to under 13 age levels.
Want to join the club? They have age groups for kids from School Reception upwards, and are always recruiting senior men and women.
More info: http://www.bicesterrufc.co.uk/information/play-for-us
Last Updated 23 July 2020
