Beyond Rugby High School students celebrated a year of achievements with their coaches and mentors at their Annual Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Southampton’s Ocean Club restaurant earlier this month.

Beyond Rugby Bermuda is an after-school programme that supports and inspires youth to reach their full potential on and off the rugby field. It combines the coaching expertise of the Bermuda Rugby Football Union (BRFU) with the specialized skills of Family Centre’s Community Team, to assist students and their families in making positive changes in their lives.

Thanks to the generosity of Fairmont Southampton, students were treated to a three-course dinner with a beautiful ocean view to celebrate a successful year. Leila Wadson, Family Centre Community Team Leader who oversees the programme stated: “We are delighted that the Fairmont Southampton continues to support our Annual Award Dinner, which means so much for our young men on the Berkeley Institute and CedarBridge Academy teams.”

On the night, twelve awards were presented to students demonstrating characteristics in line with the core values of the programme: Respect, Resiliency, Humility, Aspiration, Academics and Sportsmanship.

Winner of Berkeley MVP award, Cairi Albuoy said, “I’m proud of how far Berkeley and CedarBridge have come together with Beyond Rugby. Hopefully we can continue, with the rookies holding our legacy in the coming years. Thank you!”

Paulo Sousa, CedarBridge MVP upon receiving his award remarked, “I think CedarBridge really pushed hard this year - coming from not winning any matches last year, to going to the finals in every single tournament we played in. I’m proud of all of you!”

The 2019 Nathaniel Morgan Player of the Year Award went to Berkeley Institute S4 student Kaleyo James. This prestigious award is given to a student who goes above and beyond to live by each core value and sets an example for the rest of the team. Kaleyo, in his acceptance speech said, “I’m very proud to be receiving this award. It means a lot to me, because when I came into this programme, I didn’t really think it was going to be that impactful. I thought I was just here to be here. This group of guys really helped me find my actual family.” According to Coach Tashon, “Any challenges that Kaleyo faces in life, he moves forward and tackles them.”

Kaleyo James, along with four other high school students will be highlighted at the upcoming Beyond Rugby Gala Dinner and Auction, taking place at CedarBridge Academy tomorrow, Friday, May 31 at 7PM. The student athletes will be participating in a Q&A panel discussion on how the Beyond Rugby Programme has impacted their lives. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet visiting Rugby Stars from around the world and bid on exclusive rugby memorabilia and other items. Tickets for the Gala Dinner and Auction, which raises critical funds to continue the Beyond Rugby programme can be purchased at www.ptix.bm.

Beyond Rugby Programme Information

The Beyond Rugby Programme is a partnership between Family Centre and Bermuda Rugby Football Union. It combines sports with academic, social and emotional support to students. The programme includes a meal and transportation home after each practice. As a part of the programme students are also exposed to different career paths. The programme currently runs in three schools: Dellwood Middle School, CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute. For more information on the Beyond Rugby Programme visit www.tfc.bm.

• Press release from Beyond Rugby