Festival season has continued across the province with 7 separate festivals taking place in collaboration with local clubs. Offerings from U12 – U16 took place at Ballynahinch, Malone, Belfast Harlequins and Ards, Lisburn & Ballymoney featuring more than 20 clubs and close to 1000 total participants.
Malone kicked off in style on the 12 April, with an U12 event attracting six clubs, with Ards holding an U12 festival on Saturday 13 April. Belfast Harlequins hosted their first of two large events on Saturday afternoon with 8 U16 teams descending upon Deramore Park to enjoy a super afternoon’s rugby, while over at Ballynahinch, 6 U14 teams turned out to play. Events this weekend were rounded out with 6 clubs back in Belfast at Belfast Harlequins, this time for an U13 event, as a busy weekend’s rugby came to a close.
The second weekend brought more rugby at U12 level with festivals hosted at Ballymoney and Lisburn, both taking place on Saturday 20 April, with 10 clubs competing across the 2 venues. With an emphasis on fun and enjoyment, these U12 festivals have been a highlight of the window to date.
A massive thanks to Ards RFC, Ballynahinch RFC, Malone RFC, Belfast Harlequins RFC, Ballymoney RFC & Lisburn for the massive effort undertaken to host, and to Ulster Carpets, official sponsor of the Club/School Window, for their continued support.
Further afield, rugby within the window continues at pace with lots of local clubs working in partnership to provide opportunities, whether that be local matches, rugby sessions or innovative social activities. Some of the highlights this week included:
- Lisburn vs. Civil Service (U14, U16, U18)
- U14 Banbridge RFC vs Belfast Harlequins RFC
- U14 Larne vs. Ballyclare
- U20 Omagh vs. Enniskillen
- Limavady RFC & Limavady HS working in collaboration with local manufacturing firms to provide a careers evening for young participants, to highlight local apprenticeships opportunities.
