i10 is delighted to announce that we have sponsored local junior sports team Kesteven Rugby U13s for the 2021/22 season.
Kesteven welcomes around 300 children and young people aged 5-18 at 'Fortress Woodnook' each Sunday, supported by a fantastic team of coaches, to train and play rugby against teams from across Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and Derbyshire.
"U13s are a great group of kids who really demonstrate the all-important rugby values of Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship" said Mark Hastings, Founder and Director of i10. "We are delighted to be able to fulfil part of our social value commitments locally by supporting the physical and mental development of these young players and the club to continue it's One Club, One Family ethos and compelling vision to be the most inclusive, supportive and inspiring amateur rugby club in England."
He added "We know from our recent meeting with the Steve Grainger, RFU Director of Development, and responsible for developing the game at club, school and university level, that developing grassroots rugby is a key priority of the RFU and we are delighted to be able to play a small part in that" he added.
As an RFU-accredited club, K's was also a venue for the RFU Pitch Up For Rugby campaign. Pitch Up For Rugby is a national celebration of the return of all formats of rugby - particularly pertinent this year after 2 disrupted seasons due to floods and covid!
Rugby Football Union CEO Bill Sweeney said: “I’m delighted clubs across the country are able to get all formats of rugby back on the pitch and open their clubhouse doors once again."
“We know being part of a team is not just something players feel is important to their physical health but also their mental wellbeing and social life, so are excited to be able to show communities up and down the country just what their local rugby club has to offer as part of the Pitch Up for Rugby initiative”.
Leicester Tigers captain Genge said: “You wouldn’t get to the semi pro or professional game if you didn’t have the grassroots game. You work your way up. I wouldn’t have got involved in rugby altogether if it hadn’t been for the grassroots clubs. They’re vital. Playing at clubs like these, gives you real camaraderie with peers, and you develop friendships you can’t find anywhere else.
Harlequins wing Jess Breach added: “I gained so much from playing grassroots rugby when I was younger. It helped me not just on the pitch, but off the pitch in other aspects of life."