Saturday 25th July saw London Skolars host their first ever Primary RL Festival in partnership with Metro Bank. 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 the largest contingent of players wearing the Red and Black of London Skolars. We fielded teams at U7, U9 and 2 full teams at U11 which was a great achievement, and is a testament to the hard-work of all our volunteer coaches, parents and development staff. The players had a great time and really looked like they enjoyed their rugby, they have plenty of sessions to go until they hopefully one day walk out for the 1st team here at London Skolars, 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.
On top of the usual Mini’s teams, we also welcomed U12’s to the Festival. The U12’s age group is a hugely important development age for London RL and really does bridge that gap between Primary RL and Junior games. Teams from Hemel, Brentwood, Invicta, Surrey and Medway all took part in what was a really great tournament, and there was some really fantastic rugby on show on the top field.
A-side from the wonderful rugby on show, there was plenty to do on the morning, with a Bouncy Castle, Ice-Cream Van, a team from Metro Bank handing out freebies and the local Haringey Fire Service, who brought along their Fire Engine which the youngest members of the Festival really found exciting. Players and parents were kept fed and watered by our BBQ and sweet stall which was run by our excellent team of Skolars friends and parents.
The day was a fantastic success, and in London Skolars 20th Year it was fantastic to see the way in which the club has developed, we thank all our sponsors who made the day possible, Harneys, Lanes Coaches, Mako, Metro Bank, Spryou & Co, Ipreo, Paul Simon Group and EDI. Also our parents and volunteers who ensured that the whole day ran smoothly. The next big event for ourselves will be Friday Night Lights on Friday 28th August 2015, tickets are available on the Skolars website and are priced from £10 in advance.
