Saturday 9th July saw London Skolars host their first ever Primary RL Festival in partnership with Specsavers, Wood Green and London Skolars Community Partners, Ipreo, PCubed and Exchange Data International. We hosted 16 different teams from across London, who all took part in some fantastic games of rugby as the morning played out.
One of the key objectives of Primary RL and ourselves here at London Skolars is to increase participation in our great sport and to get our youngest players playing and involved for the maximum amount of time we can. The Festival most definitely did that, every single player who came along to New River yesterday would have had plenty of game time, and it was particular pleasing to see clubs share players and to see them give their all, no matter what colour jersey they were wearing.
Whilst it was fantastic to see the colourful jerseys on show representing the majority of the London RL clubs, from a Skolars point of view it was extremely satisfying to see a large contingent of players wearing the Red and Black of London Skolars. We fielded teams at U9 and nearly 2 full teams at U11 which was a great achievement, we also teamed up with our friends from Sussex Merlins to provide them with players. This is a testament to the hard-work of all our volunteer coaches, parents and development staff. Every single player had a great time and really looked like they enjoyed their rugby, they have plenty of sessions to go to continue their development, so what’s important is that they continue to enjoy their rugby, improve their skills and ultimately keep playing with a smile on their face.
A-side from the wonderful rugby on show, the participants and their watching supporters were kept fed and watered with an Ice-Cream Van, and our BBQ and sweet stall which was run by our excellent team of Skolars parents.
The day was a fantastic success, and it was a perfect end to the day as everyone made their way back over to the refurbished clubhouse to enjoy the bar facilities and hospitality. There was a wonderful atmosphere created as supporters from both sides mixed with the young players and their parents who had stayed to watch the First Team take on Toulouse. We thank all our sponsors who made the day possible, tournament sponsors Specsavers, and our valued Community Partners Ipreo, Exchange Data International and PCubed. Special mention must also go to Dave Roberts, our U11’s coach, who worked tirelessly on the day to make sure it run without a hitch, also to Huw Bevan who ran the U9’s tournament and to Vange and Racheal Kourentis, who expertly managed the BBQ and kept everyone well fed.
Feedback has continued to flood in all week and Steve Jones from Sussex Merlins sent an email this week with the very kind words
‘I would just like to say what a fabulous time our players and parents had at your festival on Saturday, i have had nothing but great feedback from those who came along and they can’t wait to come back soon. Please can you say a massive thank you to all your coaches and players who came along and made a great impression on some very happy children and showed them what a great Rugby League family we have and your club is a credit to that ethos.’
Fantastic words that crowned an historic day for London Skolars.
