Andy Chats about bringing Special Educational Needs Children into Rugby as part of Thanet Wanders Rugby Club

Andy talks about how just over 4 years ago the club decided it was time to extend Rugby to everybody in the community. What followed was a journey that nobody expected, it has gone from strength to strength .... Listen as Andy talks with passion about this amazing group of young people who now enjoy Rugby new friends etc plus parents who are overjoyed as their children become involved .... If you child would like to be involved you can contact Andy via this link https://www.thanetwanderers.co.uk

SEND Rugby

The Thanet Wanderers Rugby SEND Programme was started back in 2022 to give children and young adults, for whom sports provision is limited at best, an opportunity to play an exciting team sport.

The programme is non-contact and is played using tag belts in teams of 7. All children with some degree of Specia Educational Needs or disability are very welcome from 5 years old up to young adult. The sessions take place on Sunday mornings from 9.30am until 10.30am at Thanet Wanderers RUFC, St Peter's Recreation Ground, Callis Court Road, Broadstairs, Kent CT10 3AE.

The programme is the only SEND rugby programme in the whole of the south east of England but looking to support other local clubs to set up their own programmes.

Wooden Spoon Tagfest 2024

In June 2024 the squad enjoyed a 2 day visit to Coventry to take part in the Wooden Spoon Tagfest tournament where the 2 teams entered played against other SEND programmes from across the UK. We are hoping to once again attend the tournament in June 2025, more information about the destination when we have it.

Our tag rugby programme is designed for those aged 6-21 years with Special Educational Needs and Disability for whom full contact rugby would not be possible.

It meant so much to the both of us to be included in such an amazing opportunity. Theo is very proud of himself and teammates and grateful for all the coaches amazing love and support to show him his true potential and believing in him.

- Amy, mother of Theo

We watched our little girl start her rugby journey two years ago with Thanet wanders when she couldn’t catch a ball. Two years later she was given the opportunity to play in her first tournament and went and got a try. That memory will live with us forever and Something we never dreamed she could achieve. It’s moments like that provides our children with confidence and belief that will help them with the challenges they face daily. But most importantly puts the biggest smile on their face.

- Paula, mother of Summa