A lasting legacy
232. Annette Hayward
231. Steve Hayward
A Bristol couple who run an inspirational rugby club for over 150 local children.
Steve and Annette Hayward started managing Aretians RFC’s Rugby Cubs in August 2013 to get even more children from Patchway, Bristol actively involved with rugby and the exercise, fun and friendship that comes with it.
Over the past eighteen months the dynamic duo have grown the club by a staggering 1470%, opening its doors to children of all ability levels between the ages of two and twelve to take their first steps into sport.
Steve is Chairman of the Aretians RFC’s Rugby Cubs and, as well as coaching the children, has invested hundreds of hours of his own time into making the Cubs a success. Annette plays a crucial role organising fundraising activity, vetting and training volunteers and keeping on top of equipment, coaches and funding.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Steve and Annette have given a huge amount of time to making the Aretians RFC’s Rugby Cubs such a success. They are bringing children and parents together every week and, with their dedicated group of volunteers, they are helping Bristol get active. I’m pleased to make them Points of Light today.”
Steve and Annette said:
“We are over the moon to have been selected for this prestigious award. This is a long term project of turning a failing rugby club into a community focused, family friendly club. We rely heavily on all our volunteers, without whom this would not be possible.”
Rugby Football Union Volunteer Engagement Manager, Jill Loader said:
“The work Steve and Annette have done has helped Aretians RFC to reach out into the local community and become a focal point for the families that come every week. The club now has links with the local schools, enabling them to encourage many more children into being active, benefiting from the core values of Rugby Union and, most importantly, having fun whilst they are doing it. In such an important year for the rugby family as we look forward to hosting the Rugby World Cup, it’s great to see people like Steve and Annette and clubs like Aretians seizing the opportunity to create a lasting legacy.”