At Yate Rugby, the sense of community is strong, and nowhere is this more evident than in the bond between our players, their families, and our sponsors. One such partnership that stands out is the connection between Northavon Blinds and the father-son duo of Luke and Jamie Parsons. With both Luke playing for the men’s team and Jamie representing the Yate Rugby Academy’s under-15s, this sponsorship is more than just a business relationship—it’s a family affair.
A Personal Connection to Yate Rugby
Paul Welch, the Managing Director of Northavon Blinds, has a deep-rooted connection with Yate Rugby. “I’ve been personally involved with Yate Rugby since my son joined the junior team, right from the early days of the club’s formation,” Paul shares. Over the past 4-5 years, Paul has not only watched his son grow through the ranks but has also dedicated his time as a coach for various age groups within the Academy. His first hand experience with the club’s values and community spirit made the decision to sponsor Luke an easy one.
“As a business owner, I’m proud to associate Northavon Blinds with the values of Yate Rugby. The exposure and advertising are great for my business, but more importantly, it’s about supporting a club that does so much good work in the local community. It’s a win-win situation, and I’d recommend sponsoring a player to any other local business owner. The cost of sponsorship is excellent value when you consider the exposure you get and the knowledge that your money is helping to support the club.”
A Sponsorship Rooted in Friendship
The connection between the Parsons family and Paul Welch goes beyond business. Jamie, Luke’s son, has been close friends and teammates with Paul’s son, Finley, for many years. “Jamie and Finley have been good friends for a long time, and I’ve spent many Sunday mornings on the sidelines with Luke, supporting the lads,” Paul recalls. “So, when Jamie mentioned that his dad was looking for a sponsor this year, it was a no-brainer for me to agree to sponsor him.”
Building Bonds Through Rugby
For Luke Parsons, playing rugby at Yate with his son has strengthened their relationship in ways he hadn’t anticipated. “It’s great for both of us playing at Yate—we support each other whether it’s training, match day, or even tag,” Luke shares. “Through training and supporting each other on match day, I think it’s strengthened our relationship for the better. I find it easier to communicate with Jamie, and it’s another way for us to spend some great times together.”
Luke’s proudest moment came when he saw Jamie score his first try for the club. “I was working a lot of weekends at the time, so to not miss it was a very proud moment. Playing rugby has impacted our lives in a positive way, making us stronger and fitter, but also socially. The club was really welcoming, and the coaches are patient with all players. It just feels really good to be a part of.”
A Son’s Pride and Growth
For Jamie, the bond he shares with his dad through rugby is something truly special. “It’s very special to me that my dad and I have something we can talk about, like games and fixtures. It’s brought us a lot closer together, and it’s nice to see my dad score tries for the first team—he only joined thinking he’d be on the second team.”
Yate Rugby has also had a profound impact on Jamie’s life outside of the sport. “Before, I used to feel left out in most things at school, but Yate Rugby’s changed that. The coaching has helped me make new friends, and as a family, my dad and I are the only ones who like rugby—my stepmum always feels like we’re at rugby! The club’s culture is amazing, and the sportsmanship from all the team and coaches makes it such a great place to be.”
A Winning Team On and Off the Field
The partnership between and the Parsons family is a shining example of the community spirit that defines Yate Rugby. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the relationships, the support, and the shared experiences that bring us all together. As we look forward to the season ahead, we’re excited to see the Parsons duo continue to thrive on the field, with the backing of a sponsor who truly understands and values the heart of Yate Rugby.
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Let's celebrate the passion, dedication, and growth that define Yate Rugby Club. Together, we can achieve greatness! Up the Yate!
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