Category: Community Department

A huge congratulations to our Community Department coaching team who were crowned champions at the annual Vice Chancellor’s Business Games, hosted by partner organisation Canterbury Christ Church University on Thursday 18 June.

The event brings together businesses and organisations from across the local area for a day of competition, teamwork, and friendly rivalry. Teams compete across a variety of sports, games, and challenges, with points awarded based on performance in each activity. Additional fair play points recognise teamwork, sportsmanship, and the spirit in which the games are played.

This year’s activities included pull ball, an assault course, kin-ball, pickleball, over the line, and boccia, providing plenty of opportunities for teams to test themselves in unfamiliar sports and challenges.

Representing Canterbury Rugby Football Club were Matt Corker, Alice Hayward, Owain Collins, Cameron Macmillan, and Ella Jenkins. Competing against 16 other teams from across the local business, education, and community sectors, including several organisations that partner with the club, the team consistently performed throughout the day to finish top of the overall standings and claim the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games title.

Beyond the competition itself, the event also supported an important local cause, with proceeds from the day going to East Kent Mencap. The organisation supports people with learning disabilities and their families across East Kent, making the event an opportunity not only to bring local organisations together, but also to make a positive contribution to the wider community.

Reflecting on the day, one member of the team said:

“It was an incredibly fun day, very well organised by CCCU, a great opportunity to learn new sports, get a little competitive, but overall there was huge sportsmanship and a lot of fun with other businesses.”

Despite the heat, the games were played in excellent spirit throughout. While every team was keen to perform well, the day struck the perfect balance between friendly competition, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating an enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

While winning the competition was a fantastic achievement, the event was also a great example of what makes the local business and sporting community so strong. Bringing organisations together through sport, teamwork, and shared experiences helps create new connections, strengthen relationships, and showcase the positive role that sport can play beyond the pitch.

Thank you to the Sport and Active Health Department at Canterbury Christ Church University for hosting and delivering such an outstanding event. The organisation throughout the day was excellent, the facilities provided a fantastic setting for the competition, and the welcoming atmosphere ensured that everyone could enjoy the experience, regardless of the final standings. Events like the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games play an important role in bringing together organisations from across the region and strengthening the connections that help our community thrive.

Participants were also well looked after throughout the day, with refreshments provided by Shepherd Neame and lunch served by Smokey Joe’s, helping to keep energy levels high despite the warm conditions.

Congratulations to everyone who took part, and well done to Matt, Alice, Owain, Cameron, and Ella on representing the Black & Amber so brilliantly and bringing the Vice Chancellor’s Business Games trophy back to the Marine Travel Ground.

We are thrilled to announce that one of our partners, Canterbury Christ Church University, has secured funding for a new inclusive rugby initiative to encourage active living and community engagement. The project aims to promote active living and community engagement through the introduction of touch rugby sessions.

The free touch rugby sessions are open to individuals of all skill levels, providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for participants. This initiative aligns with the Canterbury Christ Church University’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening community bonds through sports and recreational activities, and Canterbury Rugby Club’s sport for all and one club ethos. Sessions will be hosted at the Canterbury Rugby Club every Friday evening, from 7.00pm to 8.30pm.

The Touch Rugby Project will be spearheaded by University student and sports scholar, Ella Jenkins. Taking on the role of Touch Rugby Project Officer, Ella will dedicate 10 hours per week to support the development and execution of the project.

Nathan Morris, head of player pathway at Canterbury Rugby Club and first team player, said the project was a “fantastic opportunity to bring our community together through the love of the game”.

“This initiative not only promotes getting more active but also strengthens the bonds between our club and the broader community,” he said.

Paul Carney, Director of Sport at Canterbury christ church University added “I am thrilled to be part of an initiative that encourages more people to be active. Touch rugby is a fantastic sport and our superb women’s rugby community is already very friendly and supportive; the funding from the Rugby Football Union will help extend this opportunity even further. I am eager for our team to contribute to its success in our community.”