yateyouthrugby
- Aug 16
- 3 min read

Meet Nick Roberts: The Heartbeat of Yate Rugby Academy

At Yate Rugby Academy, our strength lies in the passion and dedication of our coaches, players, and volunteers. Leading the charge is our head coach, Nick Roberts. With his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering commitment, Nick has been instrumental in transforming Yate Rugby Academy into the thriving community it is today. As we return this weekend, its great to get some time with him to understand his journey with Yate Rugby Academy

Why Yate?

For Nick, Yate Rugby Academy is more than just a club; it’s a community he loves and believes in. "I joined Yate Minis and Youth Section with my son when there were only 10 players attending. I absolutely loved the family feel to the club and the passion Stewart Stacey had to build something special. When an opportunity was offered to me to volunteer, I was in," Nick recalls. This family-centric atmosphere and the vision of creating something extraordinary drew Nick in and inspired him to contribute his time and energy to the club.

The Joy of Coaching

Nick’s journey with Yate Rugby Academy spans several years, during which he has witnessed incredible growth and transformation. "I have been with the club for several years now, and as I was here from almost the beginning, I have been with what is now the U15's section for their duration at the club. Their growth as a team and their bond has been truly amazing, and I am honoured to be part of their journey," he shares.

For Nick, the real highlight of his week is attending training sessions or fixtures on Sundays. This season, he is excited to take on the Under 11's. "I must admit I've been looking forward to returning to some of the younger age groups," Nick says. Seeing the club evolve from a small group of 10 players to over 100 players across ages 2 to 16 each week is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. "It's an absolute pleasure to work along so many like-minded volunteers who all want the club to move in the same direction," he adds.

Looking Forward

Nick is enthusiastic about the future of Yate Rugby Academy. "I'm looking forward to the continued growth of the Minis and Youth section into the Yate Rugby Academy and the Yate Rugby Club as a whole," he says. One of the most exciting developments is the club's ongoing partnership with the Bristol Bears. "Our continued links to Bristol Bears Connection had an amazing impact on the club last year, and I am very excited to see what this season brings to all of our players," Nick explains. This partnership offers incredible opportunities for player development and inspiration, fuelling the ambitions of young rugby enthusiasts.

Join the Yate Rugby Family

Under Nick’s leadership, Yate Rugby Academy is not just about playing rugby; it’s about building a community, fostering friendships, and developing life skills. Nick’s passion and dedication serve as an inspiration to everyone involved, from players to fellow coaches and volunteers.

We invite you to join us and be a part of this vibrant community. Come down to support our teams, bring your children to training, and experience the family spirit that makes Yate Rugby Academy so special. Stay connected with us for updates on fixtures, tournaments, and more: