Quilter Kids first champions welcomed to Twickenham

Quilter, a Principal Partner of England Rugby, welcomed 8 local rugby clubs to Twickenham Stadium, for a once in a lifetime opportunity to play at the home of England Rugby for the Quilter Kids First training day. The clubs were invited onto the hallowed turf due to being recognised earlier in the season as one of eight Quilter Kids First Champions.

Quilter travelled across the country, identifying those clubs and schools who go above and beyond to put kids first. This prestigious grassroots award recognises clubs and schools who have excelled in creating a great rugby environment, upskilling coaches, increased participation and growing the female game from the under 7 to under 13 age levels.

Over 130 excited young rugby players attended on the day and were joined by former England Internationals David Flatman, Ugo Monye, Danielle Waterman and Lewis Moody who were lending their support to the coaches and passing on their tips to the next generation of rugby players. 

Each child present had the unique opportunity to be taken on the journey of an England Rugby player for the day. They walked into the stadium through Twickenham’s famous Rose & Poppy Gates, before entering the England changing room to receive a rousing team talk from former England international Lewis Moody. Next, they got the chance to run out of the Twickenham tunnel onto the pitch to the cheers of friends and family before lining up in front of the crowd to sing the national anthem at the top of their voices.

After all the excitement it was time for the main part of the day, as the young players took part in a Kids First training session on the famous pitch, before entering the royal box to receive a medal to take home as a memento of an unforgettable day.  

Former England winger, Ugo Monye, said: “What a day to remember for these youngsters. I still remember the first time I ran out onto the Twickenham pitch, it’s not something you forget in a hurry. It’s fantastic to see so many young rugby players enjoying their rugby. It’s a credit to all the clubs and schools who take the Kids First approach making the game fun and therefore keeping players in the game longer.”

Mike Mainwaring, Head of Sponsorship at Quilter, said: “It’s been a fantastic day which has reflected all of the hard work that has been taken in adopting the Quilter Kids First approach. We hope that today will live long in the memory of these young players, inspiring them to continue playing the game of rugby. We’re extremely proud to continue our work in grassroots rugby, and days like today are what it’s all about.”

For more information on Quilter Kids First, please visit: https://www.englandrugby.com/my-rugby/players/kids-first-rugby/