This rugby season marked the first in which local kids coding dojo, Code Ninjas, stepped up to sponsor Newbury RFC’s Mini Section. As part of this sponsorship, one special player was awarded the Code Ninjas Player of the Season in the Newbury Minis, receiving a trophy and well-deserved recognition for their efforts on the field.

“We’re so excited to support the Newbury RFC Mini Section,” said Marcus Brind, Owner of Code Ninjas Newbury. “This season has been incredible. Each month, we’ve had the pleasure of recognising standout players in the Newbury Minis with the Code Ninjas Player of the Month award. Witnessing their dedication and growth has been nothing short of inspiring, and it all culminated in the grand celebration of our Code Ninjas Player of the Season award.”

At Code Ninjas, kids learn how to code in a safe, inclusive and social learning environment where gaming is celebrated and STEM is cool. The programme allows kids to dive into fun, challenging, and rewarding projects and activities that engage them and develop skills to benefit their future.

While Marcus and the team are focused on equipping Newbury’s kids with essential skills for today’s world, they also emphasise supporting other local youth initiatives that benefit all children in the community. “It’s important for us to support local initiatives that provide young people the space to grow, develop and pursue their passions. Children’s development is paramount to us and Newbury RFC, so I’m proud we could collaborate on this sponsorship,” said Marcus.

Underlining the connection between coding and rugby, Marcus remarked, “While coding and rugby may appear to be unrelated, they both foster perseverance, determination and commitment – qualities crucial for the growth of young individuals. This sponsorship serves as a testament to the value of these traits, which are nurtured both on the field and in the dojo.”

And the Code Ninjas Player of the Season award was presented to Oskar Larkin from the U12s. “I first met Oskar at Rugby Tots when he was just three years old,” shared Committee Member Simon Best. “He has evolved into a remarkable rugby player with an impressive pace and a goose step that would make David Campese proud! More than his skills, Oskar has emerged as a leader within the group – always setting a positive example. We wish Oskar and all the lads in the U12s the very best as they transition to Junior rugby next season.”

This season’s sponsorship of the youth team by Code Ninjas is just the beginning of what promises to be a series of exciting collaborations. “I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Marcus and his team at Code Ninjas for their incredible generosity and support of youth rugby development,” said Robin Varley, Sponsorship Manager at Newbury RFC. “Code Ninjas has made a significant impact in Newbury, inspiring children to develop their coding skills. I eagerly look forward to continuing this fantastic partnership in the years to come.”

To learn more about Code Ninjas Newbury, visit https://www.codeninjas.co.uk/newbury-brk-uk