The Mellor Family are no strangers to Newcastle Falcons, as season ticket holders they can be regularly found at matches, with the youngest Mellor, Harry, even celebrating his 13th Birthday by flying to Pau to support the squad during their EPCR Challenge Cup tie.
So, it was no surprise that 16-year-old Alife and 13-year-old Harry are ardent attendees at Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s rugby camps.
“Alfie joined us first and has been coming to them for around 8 years”, explains Community Rugby Coach Stephen Parsons, making the journey from their native Cumbria is no mean feat, “the level of commitment they have shown has been unreal, even during COVID nothing stopped they as they joined in our online camps”.
With this much enthusiasm, it wasn’t long before Alfie was part of the Development Player Pathway and embraced every playing opportunity he could. It was during the 2023/24 season, however, that Alfie developed a back injury which continues to sideline him from playing for almost 18 months. True to form Alfie’s passion for rugby remains undiminished. Instead of letting this obstacle deter him, he has channelled his energy into coaching and assisting at the camps, including the residential camp in the summer 2024.
By taking on a coaching role, he has maintained his connection to rugby and it is brilliant to see him develop in confidence: “The camps have allowed be to feel part of a team again”, Alfie explains, “having not been involved in my home team Carlisle RUFC, for almost a year, the mix of players from across the region is such a great learning experience and I love being able to bounce ideas around and just try new things.
“I also learned a lot from the different styles of the coaches and the wide range of experience the staff on the camps whilst enjoying the social elements of the rugby family again.”
Younger brother Harry is also making the most of the opportunity of having Alfie around, “It’s good having Alfie around, just in case I feel nervous when I’m away from home, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to take the opportunity to wind him up from time to time!”
Their mum also shares in their enthusiasm “They have been a fantastic experience for both the boys, from a confidence and rugby skills basis.
“The boys thoroughly enjoy everything on offer at the club, from meeting players and being coached by them and the Foundation team to being mascots and standing in the guard of honour. It’s fair to say that it’s more than just a game to all of us.”
To discover more about Newcastle Rugby Foundation’s coaching camps and to sign up for our February half term camps’ click the button below.
