England women’s rugby star Vicky Macqueen to bring her didi Rugby programme to Fenland

A former England women’s rugby star is looking to be the driving force behind the rise in popularity of toddler’s rugby in Fenland – otherwise known as didi Rugby.

Vicky Macqueen chalked up 34 caps for England during a successful playing career, but is now turning her attentions towards promoting the sport to a younger audience.

She said: “I played my last game of international rugby in 2009 and have since been doing lots of work within the game, qualifying as a level three coach in 2012.

“I had my two little boys and then decided to go with my vision and created didi Rugby. It had been in my mind for a long while but having children myself cemented my belief in my vision and what I wanted to achieve.

“I am so passionate and enthusiastic to spread didi Rugby nationally and internationally as I truly believe in the benefits and positive values that didi Rugby instils.”

Vicky, who was recently awarded a BEM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her contribution to women’s sport, has enlisted the help of local coach and former professional rugby player, Malcolm Baker.

Malcolm also forged a successful career in the sport before he was diagnosed with a rare degenerative condition that impairs bone growth, which affects only one in every two million men.

The condition ended his playing days but like Vicky, he is now focussing on getting the younger generations into the sport he loves.

He said: “The didi Rugby programme is something I wish I had the opportunity to utilise as a toddler.

“The benefits of physical activity for young children is so important in helping them to gain confidence, overcome social barriers, learn respect, teamwork and how to share, the list goes on.

“In an age when child obesity is in the news more than ever before fun learning sessions using sport to deliver is a must.”

The sessions, which cater for children aged 18 months to six years, will kick off around Fenland in September after a successful trial in Wisbech earlier this month.

The different programmes initially aim to work on the basic components of fitness, before the youngsters are introduced to the fundamentals of rugby in the older age brackets.

The sessions begin on Sunday September 11 in Wisbech, and are as follows:

• Tower Hall, Maltmas Drove, Friday Bridge, Wisbech, PE14 0HW

Sundays from 11 September

9am to 9.40am - 18 months to 36 months

9.40am to 10.20am - 3-4 years

10.20am to 11.00am –4-6 years

• March Bears Rugby Club, Elm Road, March, PE15 8LE

Sundays from 18 September

11.40am to 12.20pm - 18 months to 36 months

12.20pm to 1.00pm - 3-4 years

1.00pm to 1.40pm – 4-6 years

• March Youth & Community Centre, 34 Station Road, March, Cambs, PE15 8LE

Mondays from 19 September

10am to 10.40am - 18 months to 36 months

10.40am to 11.20am - 3-4 years

11.20am to 12.00am – 4-6 years

• Queen Mary Centre, Queens Road, Wisbech, Cambs, PE13 2PE

Thursdays from 15 September

10am to 10.40am - 18 months to 36 months

10.40am to 11.20am - 3-4 years

11.20am to 12.00am – 4-6 years

Saturdays from 17 September

9am to 9.40am - 18 months to 36 months

9.40am to 10.20am - 3-4 years

10.20am to 11.00am – 4-6 years

For more information, email Malcolm.baker@didirugby.com, visit www.didirugby.com or call 07495 183572.