KES Support's the RFU'S Pitch Up For Rugby Campaign

This weekend (12 September) Bath RFC is looking forward to opening its club doors once again and welcoming local players back to get involved in England Rugby’s ‘Pitch Up for Rugby’ celebrations. 

As part of the England Rugby “Pitch Up For Rugby” initiative which aims to celebrate a return of clubs and the coming together of rugby fans and players, Bath RFC is looking forward to welcoming all who have an interest in the game and would like to come along no matter what their experience or ability to meet the teams and coaches, pass a few balls and get a feel for playing the wonderful game of rugby as part of the Bath RFC family. You could, for instance, be a rugby fan, already be a rugby player, entirely new to the sport, or just looking to see what a local community club like Bath has to offer.

The start of the 2021/22 rugby season on the 12 September also marks the start of an important new partnership between Bath RFC Junior Boys and Girls and King Edward’s School. 

With a long-standing rugby tradition in Bath King Edward’s School has partnered with Bath RFC to support the game within the local community and to enhance opportunities for young players.  

Sean Lilley, Head of Rugby at KES said: “Schools and local clubs alike play a vital part in encouraging young players to learn and develop their rugby skills from an early age. At King Edward’s School, we provide excellent opportunities for our pupils to participate and develop in a supportive and safe environment which is delivered through a well-structured and high-quality coaching programme. Pupils get the opportunity to represent the School to not only enhance their skills and understanding of the game, but to also build strong relationships and share experiences based on the values of both the School and Rugby Union. We are proud that some of our players move further along the pathway to gain representation in the Bath Rugby Academy Programme, as well as many others who continue to play for their local club or University.  We very much look forward to developing our links with the community for the good of the game and to support the ambitions of young players.”

Craig Lilley, Bath Rugby Academy Manager, comments that King Edward’s School provides an excellent environment in which to achieve both academic excellence and sporting success. “KES provides a holistic programme which focusses on participation but also offers the opportunity to maximise potential through excellent coaching and differentiated competitive fixtures.  A number of young men have been developed within the programme at KES and have been selected as part of our Academy squad. Max Ojomoh is the latest to have made his Premiership debut last season and has recently been called up to the England squad.  Our relationships and partnerships with schools and clubs are crucial to the player pathway and to our ability to provide a long-term approach to player development.”  

As Bath RFC’s main shirt sponsor for the season, King Edward’s will be at Lambridge on Sunday, 12 September to support and celebrate the start of the season with coaches and players, and together with Bath RFC looks forward to welcoming all along for a fantastic first day back. 

Bill Sweeney, CEO England Rugby, added, “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. I hope people can make it down to support Bath RFC and enjoy the weekend’s celebrations”. 

Pitch Up for Rugby is supported by The National Lottery which has provided funding to support the return to grassroots rugby union across England, Wales, and Scotland to help clubs rebuild after the pandemic.