Introducing Yate Rugby’s New “Wessex” Pitch: A Game-Changer for Our Growing Club

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of Yate Rugby’s brand-new “Wessex” Pitch, named after our fantastic sponsor, Wessex Plant Hire! This new addition is a massive milestone in the ongoing development of our club, supporting our ever-growing Academy teams and the incredible Yate Ladies team.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC) for their unwavering support and for helping to make this possible. This exciting partnership is a testament to the community spirit that fuels Yate Rugby. With the Wessex Pitch, we now have the space to train even harder, push our limits, and stay true to our club values.

Expanding Our Space, Expanding Our Potential

The Wessex Pitch is more than just a new playing area – it’s a huge leap forward for Yate Rugby. As we continue to grow as a club, having this additional space means more players can train simultaneously, allowing us to provide the best possible environment for our Academy teams, Ladies team, and all players at Yate.

We can now maintain dedicated training and matchday areas, fully supported by the fantastic team at YOSC. This extra space ensures we can keep progressing as a club, while staying grounded in our core values of pride, positivity, and progression. We are committed to providing every player with the tools they need to develop and grow, and this pitch helps us do exactly that!

Fostering Pride, Positivity, and Progression

At Yate Rugby, we are all about pride, positivity, and progression. The Wessex Pitch plays a crucial role in helping us uphold these values. By expanding our capacity to train, we’re able to instil confidence in our players – especially our ladies and youth teams – giving them even more opportunities to learn, grow, and push themselves to the next level.

With more training sessions and match preparation, our players can develop their skills with greater focus and energy. This isn’t just about playing rugby – it’s about building strong, confident individuals who take pride in themselves and their team.

Get Involved in the Yate Rugby Community

We’re excited to welcome the entire community to join us in this journey! Whether you’re a die-hard rugby fan or just want to enjoy some weekend fun, come down and watch our games on Saturdays. You’ll feel the energy and passion that runs through Yate Rugby, both on and off the field.

And for families, don’t miss the chance to get your children involved in something special. Training for children is absolutely free, and it’s a great way for them to make friends, learn new skills, and be part of a positive, supportive environment.

We’re growing fast, and with the new Wessex Pitch, the future of Yate Rugby has never looked brighter.

Visit Us Online

Don’t miss out on all the latest updates and events – head over to our Yate Rugby website and see how you can get involved. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just someone who wants to be part of something amazing, Yate Rugby has a place for you!

Together, with the Wessex Pitch and our strong partnership with YOSC, we’re taking Yate Rugby to the next level. Be part of the excitement, the growth, and the pride that defines Yate Rugby!  Whether you're a player, a parent, or a rugby enthusiast, there's a place for you at Yate Rugby Academy.

• Website: Yate Rugby

• Facebook: Yate Rugby

• Facebook: Yate Ladies Rugby

• Facebook: Yate Rugby Academy

• Instagram: Yate Rugby

• Instagram: Yate Ladies Rugby

• Instagram: Yate Rugby Academy

Join us in celebrating this exciting new chapter for Yate Rugby. Let’s keep pushing forward – with pride, positivity, and progression! Visit Yate Rugby Website today!

Meet Pete Thompson: Guiding Yate Rugby Academy's Under 9s to New Heights!

Welcome to the vibrant world of Yate Rugby Academy’s Under 9s, where young rugby enthusiasts are nurtured and developed under the expert guidance of our dedicated coach, Pete Thompson. Bringing his passion for the game and a deep commitment to the club, Pete is all set to lead our Under 9s through an exciting season of growth, challenges, and triumphs. Let’s dive into what makes Pete’s coaching journey at Yate Rugby Academy so special.

Why Yate? A True Family Feel

For Pete, Yate Rugby Academy is more than just a club—it’s a family. "I first brought my boy along to the Under 6s sessions, and loved the family feel of the club so much so that I joined the senior rugby squad. I haven’t looked back since," he recalls. This sense of community and belonging is what makes Yate Rugby Academy a unique and welcoming place for players of all ages. Pete’s journey from a parent on the sidelines to a key member of the senior squad and a coach exemplifies the inclusive and supportive environment that defines our club.

The Joy of Coaching: Passing on Values and Watching Growth

When asked what he enjoys most about coaching, Pete’s eyes light up. "I love seeing the progression and the growth of the kids. It’s great to pass on the values of Yate Rugby Club to the next chapter of players," he says. For Pete, coaching is about more than just teaching rugby skills. It’s about instilling the core values of teamwork, respect, and dedication. Watching young players develop not only in their athletic abilities but also in their character and camaraderie brings Pete immense satisfaction.

Exciting Times Ahead: Transitioning to Contact Rugby

This season holds a special excitement as the Under 9s transition from tag rugby to contact rugby. Reflecting on last season, Pete shares, "After last season with so many highlights, this team has really come together, and now we move into contact. If they play as well as they did at tag, this will be an amazing team." The progression from Under 7s to Under 8s has been incredible, with each player showing remarkable improvement and a strong sense of teamwork.

Pete eagerly anticipates this new challenge. "I can’t wait to see what they do in contact. Granted, it will be a big change, but this team has such an incredible sense of TEAM. They play for each other, and that is all a coach can ask." The transition to contact rugby is a significant milestone, and with Pete’s guidance, the Under 9s are sure to tackle it with enthusiasm and confidence.

Building Skills for Rugby and Life

At this stage, the focus is on mastering the fundamentals of rugby—passing, catching, running, tackling—and most importantly, teamwork. "This team has such an amazing spirit. The skills they learn here will help them not only in rugby but in life. That positive energy, team spirit, and hard work are invaluable," Pete explains. He is passionate about watching his players grow, not just as athletes but as individuals who embody the values of the game.

A Proud Journey with Yate Rugby Academy

Pete's pride in his team is palpable. "I can’t wait to watch them progress. Last season, we got to play at the home of the Bristol Bears, and I can’t wait to see if one of them runs out for the Bears at a senior level. The talent in this team is amazing. I am proud they let me be a part of it," he shares. The journey from Under 7s to Under 8s has been filled with memorable moments and significant achievements, and the future looks even brighter.

At Yate Rugby Academy, we believe in nurturing young talent and fostering a sense of community. Under the dedicated coaching of Pete, our Under 9s are not just learning rugby—they're learning the values that will guide them throughout their lives. Come and support our Under 9s as they embark on this exciting journey. Witness the joy of rugby and the spirit of Yate Rugby Academy in action.

Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

• Website: Yate Rugby Academy

• Facebook: Yate Rugby Academy

• Instagram: Yate Rugby Academy

Together, we can create unforgettable experiences for our young players and celebrate the incredible journey of Yate Rugby Academy’s Under 9s. Let’s cheer on Pete and his team as they tackle new challenges and reach new heights. Up The Yate!

Claire Wilson: Leading Yate Rugby Ladies to New Heights

Rugby is a sport that thrives on passion, dedication, and a strong sense of community—qualities that Claire Wilson, the lead of Yate Rugby’s Ladies team, embodies to the fullest. Since joining the club nearly four years ago, Claire has been a driving force behind the remarkable growth and success of Yate Rugby’s Ladies, and her enthusiasm for the game is nothing short of infectious.

Why Yate?

For Claire, the decision to join Yate Rugby was as much about the community as it was about the sport. "I chose Yate as my partner had joined the men’s team and we were both new to the area," she shares. This simple decision quickly turned into a journey that would see Claire become a central figure in the club’s expansion and success, particularly in the development of women’s rugby.

A Journey of Growth

Reflecting on her time with the team, Claire marvels at the incredible progress they’ve made. "For me, the highlight is how far we have come in such a short space of time. The growth has been incredible, and I love watching all the ladies develop and confidence grow." From those early days of introducing new players to the game, to now fielding a team that’s gaining recognition for its skill and camaraderie, Claire has been there every step of the way, guiding the team with her unwavering passion and belief in their potential.

Building a Strong Foundation

Claire’s vision for the future is clear: "I’d like to just see us grow from strength to strength. I think we’ve built a fantastic foundation for women’s rugby at the club and think it has all the necessary qualities to be one of the best teams in the area, over time." Her commitment to nurturing the team and ensuring that every player feels supported and encouraged is at the heart of Yate Rugby’s success.

Looking Ahead to the New Season

As the new season approaches, Claire’s focus is on maintaining the positive momentum that has brought the team this far. "This coming season I just want the team to have fun, go out there and enjoy it. No pressure, just work together as a team and put everything we’re learning into practice." It’s this approach—balancing the drive to succeed with the importance of enjoying the game—that makes Claire such an effective and beloved leader.

Positivity and Fun: The Key to Success

One of Claire’s key goals is to retain the positive spirit that has defined the team’s journey so far. "Key things for us to try and retain from last season would be for us to just remain positive and have fun," she emphasizes. It’s a simple yet powerful philosophy that has not only helped the team grow but also made Yate Rugby Ladies a place where players can thrive, both on and off the field.

Under Claire’s leadership, Yate Rugby Ladies are more than just a team—they’re a family. And as they head into the new season, there’s no doubt that they’ll continue to build on the strong foundation Claire has helped create, bringing even more excitement and success to Yate Rugby.

Join the Yate Rugby Family

As you can tell, Claire passion for rugby, commitment to the club, and belief in her players are driving forces behind our progress. We invite you to be a part of our journey, whether as a player, supporter, or volunteer. Come and experience the family atmosphere, the thrill of the game, and the spirit of Yate RFC.

Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more:

• Website: Yate Rugby Club

• Facebook: Yate Rugby Club

• Instagram: Yate Rugby Club

Let's celebrate the passion, dedication, and growth that define Yate Rugby Club. Together, we can achieve greatness! Up the Yate!