Munchkin Sports was started in 2012 by Joe Ting and Tony Rolfe. It was born out of an idea by Joe who spent many Sundays down his local rugby club coaching mini-rugby. He realised that there were a great number of younger siblings out of the age range catered for by the club but wanted to play like their older brother or sister.
After speaking to Tony about his idea, we couldn’t see a reason why sport could not be gently introduced to the very young so that they were occupied at the weekends and at the same time were learning sport skills so that they were better equipped when their time finally came to mix with older children.
So from this Munchkin Sports was created and to date we offer over 4000 children a week the opportunity to learn new skills, develop their balance, strengthen their co-ordination and agility and above all have fun! It is our intention that every child that attends one of our classes or holiday camps goes away from each class with a sense of fulfilment and having learnt a new skill that we have helped encourage development of their social interaction as well as building confidence and well-being.
Joseph Ting – Co founder and lead coach:
Joe has been working with children as a rugby coach for a number of years having coached rugby from minis all the way through to under 18 level. He also used to coach sides at Colfes’ School in South East London. Joe’s rugby career was cut short by a shoulder injury but his love for the game has meant he always wanted to stay involved, with coaching being the natural progression. He started playing at 4yrs old and his father has always said he would have taken him even sooner if something had been available. Joe has a son called Charlie and a daughter called Tilly, who already have rugby shirts in every colour possible and a million rugby balls destroying the house; Dad’s fault!
Joe is RFU Level 2 qualified, DBS (Enhanced) checked and Paediatric First Aid trained.
Tony Rolfe – Co founder and lead coach:
Although a very keen rugby player and fan, Tony’s early sporting achievements lay with athletics where he has competed both at county and national level. He plays for his local rugby team Bromley RFC in a career spanning over 30 years earning club honours as well as representing Kent on several occasions. He is the Chairman or Parkfield Panthers Football Club and Head Coach at Bromley RFC Under 10’s. Tony keeps trying to retire from rugby but finds the pull of the green stuff too strong! Tony is a father too and gets in trouble with his wife each week for trying to smuggle the tackle bags home with him so that he can continue the fun with his son Jack and daughter Lucy!
Tony is FA Level one qualified, NVQ Level 3 qualified, DBS (Enhanced) checked and Paediatric First Aid trained.
