Finding something for every player is what rugby's all about, says Bucks coach

The Aylesbury club has been encouraging young and older players to join the community

Aylesbury Rugby Club
Author: Zoe Head-ThomasPublished 9th Mar 2024

At Aylesbury Rugby Club, it's not just about the sport and wanting to be the best, but rather participate and become part of the community.

Although the club is committed to training the professional players of tomorrow who will be the next generations playing Six Nations games, the World Cup and other major competitions, rugby doesn't stop there.

"You can have all different skills and you'll find something for you."

With a community hub welcoming young players, older players, girls, boys, and people of all body types, all those involved are reminded that rugby is about inclusivity and the love of the sport.

Luke Boothy, who coaches the Under 11s Team at Aylesbury Rugby Club, said: "I really stress that playing multisport for children is important, learning about different sport and different skills, but what's unique about rugby is that you can be any size, any speed, any shape."

"You can have all different skills and you'll find something for you."

"In our team we have about 40 children, they come from ten different schools to come together and create a community outside of their school and that's quite rare amongst sports, and I think that's what makes rugby quite different to a lot of sports."

The club opens its doors to any major games, such as the Six Nations matches played so far, for the club and any fans to join the community and create a hub that is all about the love of the sport.

"It's inspiring lots of girls to come and play and I think that's what it's about."

Mr Boothy is however reminding us that supporting women in sport, and particularly in rugby, as well as celebrating them is as important as watching the men play the game.

He said: "Women's rugby, you watch the top level and you think it's inspiring, they're playing at a standard that most people whether they're men or women haven't played at, and rightly so as they've got the same skills level."

"It's inspiring lots of girls to come and play and I think that's what it's about."

The club will once again open its doors for a community watch of all games played this weekend, including England's penultimate face off against Ireland.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Greatest Hits Radio app.