On Saturday 28 September, Fixture Finder made its inaugural match possible. Carrickfergus Grammar School's 1XV hosted the Donaghadee U18 team in a keenly contested game. This match marked a significant milestone for our new initiative, showcasing the potential of Fixture Finder to connect teams and provide more opportunities for young players to participate in the sport.
The game was a testament to the effectiveness of Fixture Finder. Through the platform, the coaches from both teams were able to connect and schedule a match that would benefit both sides. This successful outcome demonstrates the tool's ability to facilitate collaboration and create new opportunities for clubs and schools.
Why Fixture Finder?
We understand the challenges of finding suitable opponents, especially when faced with unexpected cancellations or inactive weekends. Fixture Finder aims to bridge this gap by creating a shared, live document where teams can:
- Find a fixture for an inactive weekend.
- Replace a cancelled fixture.
By encouraging communication and collaboration between clubs and schools, Fixture Finder fosters a wider network for teams to find challenging and enjoyable games, regardless of their usual playing circles.
Who can use it?
Fixture Finder is open to all coordinators and coaches of Age Grade teams across clubs and schools in Ulster. To gain access, simply email fixturefinder@ulsterrugby.com. Once verified, you'll be free to use the document to:
- Search for existing fixture requests that match your team's needs (age, ability, location).
- Post your own fixture request, detailing your team's availability and preferences.
How does it work?
When accessing the document, you'll be presented with two options:
1. Find a match: Look through existing requests to see if any teams match your age grade, ability level, and geographical preferences. Contact details will be provided for easy communication.
2. Post a fixture request: If you can't find a suitable match, post your own request. This will be visible to other teams searching for opponents.
Maximising Success
While we can't guarantee a match for every request, the more clubs and schools that participate, the higher the chances of success. Fixture Finder complements other Ulster Rugby initiatives like Fair Game, Let's Play Rugby, and the PLAY Coaching model, all designed to improve the accessibility and quality of youth rugby experiences.
Join the Network and Play More!
Fixture Finder is a valuable tool for all Age Grade teams in Ulster. We encourage coaches and coordinators to register for access and start scheduling exciting matches for their players!