In Your Shoes - Graeme Ogg

Graeme owns and runs Rugbytots Broughty Ferry & Angus, a rugby-based play programme for 2-5 year olds. The business began in January, Graeme now coaches around 100 children per week as well as taking RT to children’s parties.

Breakfast is served

My ‘working week’ began with a Chamber Breakfast at The Carnoustie Hotel. Not being a Golfer, I hadn’t realised the Dunhill Pro Am tournament was on until Daniel asked me to pick up a car pass! I really enjoy Chamber events as they are fantastic for a bit of networking and they always have a good speaker. This time it was the turn of the resident Pro to give us an insight into the daily life of the golf course and where they would like to be. I also manged to catch a chat with The Chief Dragon, Mr Peter Jones – he is a big lad!
Thursday is my admin day. My four year old son, Spencer, is at nursery so I have a free day to get fully up to speed with Rugbytots.
I enjoyed a 1-2-1 business catch-up with Kirsty, the Scottish franchisor. A great hour sharing ideas and best practice. I am arranging a fundraising Elf’s Party in December so booked the venue and catering. Also got creative and pulled ideas together for activities. After catching up with party bookings and new class enquiries, I got on my bike to deliver flyers. Social media is a fantastic tool for my business, but snail mail works really well too.
A rare ‘school night’ out to support my wife, Lynne, as she held a charity pub quiz for Childline.

Trainers on and good to go!

My Birkhill classes kick off my working week. I use the morning to organise lesson plans, it is important that the children have a strong mix of routine and skill advancement. The first group are aged 2-3.5 years, cute as buttons in their wee Jojo Maman Bebe rugby strips. Very cool seeing eight little ones running with ball in hand towards the red hoop with a red ball – sometimes!
No two classes are the same and the unpredictability of the kids ensures both parents and myself end the class with huge smiles on our faces! Next up is the seniors, age 3.5–5 years and this bunch are bonkers! I have 12 kids in this class and they are progressing very nicely – especially the girls. The drills and skills are now passing backwards, tag rugby and some incredible place kicking.

Club Chaos

Saturday is the busiest of my Rugbytots days, with classes in Broughty Ferry, Carnoustie and Forfar. One of my 9am mums brings me a coffee, what a star! (Thanks Gillian)
The day is full of fun and energy. Many of the children have been with me since day one, so have a good set of core skills. I am able to push them further with each class. I have them warming up with some finger flicks and Elvis impersonations and I must say Vegas is calling for some of them! We were cracking some assault course action this week with tunnels, cones, hurdles plus a slalom, Sid & Sylvia the balance snakes and a skills ladder – lots of running, jumping, balancing and showing off new skills. I also love to watch friendships and teamwork flourish.
By the end of my seven classes it’s time for a hot bath and cold lager!

Let’s Party

A busy morning filled with tag rugby, evasive running and a bit of duck, duck goose!
Sunday afternoons are party time! I head off to a birthday party armed with all my kit, energy and fun. I really enjoy meeting new children who may never have experienced rugby. Parties often bring me to a whole new audience.
The smell of Lynne’s Sunday roast and a big cuddle from my boy are the perfect greeting when I arrive home.

No Monday Blues Here….

Rugbytots gives my family a fairly unique set of circumstances. I now spend three full days with my four year old son, Spencer.
Monday began the way our mornings always begin, with Spencer clambering into our bed to give us a rundown of his dreams – last night’s dreams were filled with tigers and monkeys! Lynne heads off to work in Edinburgh and I get Spencer’s breakfast ready. Then, it’s a day in the gym for the Oggy boys.
Spencer has a full schedule; tennis, swimming and finally football. He loves sport and, as a coach (and enthusiastic Dad), I actively encourage him to try as many as he can. His new favourite is his dancing class, great for his co-ordination and balance. By 17:00 he is shattered and looking forward to winding down in front of Mr Tumble and the Cbeebies crew! Not only has he exhausted himself but me too - 4 year olds are full of energy! Days like today confirm to me that my work-life balance is perfect. I couldn’t be happier.
I feel privileged to own a Rugbytots franchise. It gives my family the flexibility I need to both look after Spencer and build a business around a sport I love. Due to my nature and the kid’s natural enthusiasm to join & enjoy Club Chaos it works both for me and for the children I coach.