Family Centre Beyond Rugby Annual Awards
Family Centre’s Beyond Rugby Bermuda celebrated the achievements of their participants at their Awards Dinner, with the 2024 Nathaniel Morgan Player of the Year Award presented to Berkeley student Chelsea Almeida, marking the first time the award was presented to a female player.
A spokesperson said, “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. On May 8th, Beyond Rugby celebrated the achievements of its 2023-2024 participants at their annual Awards Dinner held at Thyme Restaurant. The evening was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and growth of the youth participants, coaches, and mentors.
Elizabeth Francis, Family Centre’s Beyond Rugby Programme Lead stated, “The success we witness in our youth each year is truly inspiring. Beyond Rugby is more than just a sports programme. It is a holistic approach to youth development that supports academic growth, social and emotional well-being, and athletic skills. The impact on our young people’s lives is profound and lasting.”
“On the night, twelve awards were presented to students who demonstrated characteristics in line with the core values of the programme. These core values are: 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.
“The 2024 Nathaniel Morgan Player of the Year Award was presented to Berkeley Institute S4 student Chelsea Almeida. This prestigious award honours a student who embodies the programme’s core values and sets an exemplary standard for their peers. The award is named after Nathaniel Morgan, a former Beyond Rugby participant who demonstrated significant character growth through rugby during his seven years in the programme.
“This is a notable milestone as it is the first time this award was presented to a young woman, highlighting the expanding inclusivity and impact of Beyond Rugby. Chelsea participated in Beyond Rugby throughout her middle school journey at Dellwood and since the women’s programme started in the public high schools in 2021.
The 2024 Beyond Rugby Bermuda award winners are:
- Nathaniel Morgan Player of the Year Award – Chelsea Almeida
- MVP – CedarBridge Academy – Philipe Sousa
- MVP – The Berkeley Institute – Asher Wheddon [homeschool student who plays with Berkeley team]
- MVP – Girls Team – Tange Bean
- Rookie of the Year – CedarBridge Academy – Genesis Payne
- Rookie of the Year – The Berkeley Institute – Riley Paynter
- Rookie of the Year – Girls Team – Kaiya Baker
- Respect – Terry Charlemagne
- Resiliency – D’Mori Harvey
- Humility – Jalen Richardson
- Aspiration – Marseille Williams
- Sportsmanship – Danari York
- Academic Achievement – Tange Bean
- Academic Improvement – Camya Matthews
“Beyond Rugby Bermuda is offered at CedarBridge Academy and The Berkeley Institute. It provides academic, social-emotional, and character-building experiences, as well as rugby training twice a week. 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.
“For more information on Beyond Rugby Bermuda, please visit tfc.bm.”
