Family Centre’s Beyond Rugby Bermuda Annual Awards Dinner proved to an historic and memorable occasion for programme participant Chelsea Almeida.

The Berkeley Institute student was taken by surprise when she was presented with the prestigious Nathaniel Morgan Player of the Year Award, making her the first female to have the honour bestowed upon them.

“I was surprised to have been chosen as the recipient as there were many other well deserving nominees,” an elated Almeida told The Royal Gazette. “I felt honoured to, not only have been chosen as receiver for the award, but to have been the first female to ever receive the award.”

Named after Nathaniel Morgan, a former Beyond Rugby participant who demonstrated significant character growth through rugby during his seven years in the programme, the prestigious award honours students who embody the programme’s core values and set an exemplary standard for their peers.

Almeida, 17, has been involved in Beyond Rugby Bermuda throughout her time attending Dellwood Middle School and since the women's programme began in the public high schools in 2021.

“I chose to join the programme and started playing rugby in Middle School because I thought that it would be a good experience and would help me improve in school, which it did,” she explained.

“I think that the Beyond Rugby programme is amazing. They are one of the very few programmes I know of that help you, not just athletically, but also academically.”

Such is Almeida’s appreciation to have been given the opportunity to broaden and academic and athletic horizons, one day she intends to give back to the programme in any way possible.

“One of my goals is to go back to the Beyond Rugby programme potentially as an assistant coach or even just to help out during my free time,” she said.

Almeida was among 12 awardees who also demonstrated characteristics in line with the core values of the programme, which include respect, resiliency, humility, aspiration, academics and sportsmanship.

These values are embedded into the programme’s pillars and are integral to Beyond Rugby’s mission to inspire and develop youth through rugby.

Philipe Sousa (CedarBridge Academy), Asher Wheddon (Home School student who plays with Berkeley) and Tange Bean (Girls Team) were presented with the Most Valuable Player Award.

Genesis Payne (CedarBridge Academy), Riley Paynter (Berkeley) and Kaiya Baker (Girls Team) received the Rookie of the Year Award.

The Respect Award went to Terry Charlemagne, Resiliency Award to D'Mori Harvey, Humility Award to Jalen Richardson, Aspiration Award to Marseille Williams, Sportsmanship Award to Danari York, Academic Achievement Award to Tange Bean and Academic Improvement Award to Camya Matthews.

Held at Thyme Restaurant, Family Centre’s Beyond Rugby Bermuda Awards Dinner was a testament to the hard work, dedication and growth of the youth participants, coaches and mentors.

“The success we witness in our youth each year is truly inspiring,” Elizabeth Francis, the Family Centre Beyond Rugby Programme Lead, said.

“Beyond Rugby is more than just a sports programme; it is a holistic approach to youth development that supports academic growth, social and emotional wellbeing and athletic skills. The impact on our young people’s lives is profound and lasting.”

Beyond Rugby Bermuda is an after-school programme dedicated to supporting and inspiring youth to reach their full potential on and off the rugby field.

The programme, which provides academic, social, emotional and character-building experiences as well as rugby training twice a week, is offered at CedarBridge Academy and Berkeley Institute.

The programme is designed to remove barriers to participation, promote high levels of youth engagement and provide the necessary support for youth to overcome challenges and make lasting positive changes in their lives.

Each practice includes a snack, dinner and transportation home, ensuring all participants' basic needs are met and they have the support required to thrive.

Beyond Rugby Bermuda is a trauma-informed, strengths-based, youth enrichment programme that is designed to support holistic youth development.

The programme aims to inspire and support young people to develop confidence, resilience and the motivation to excel, both academically and athletically.

• For more details on Beyond Rugby Bermuda, visit tfc.bm or contact director of community service Leila Wadson at Leila@tfc.bm or 232-1116, ext 2029