Rugby Club launches annual Mini Rugby Festival

The senior club has struggled in what looks an increasingly hopeless battle against relagation from Division 1B of the Ulster Bank All-Ireland League – but the club’s mini rugby section is hoping to put some smiles back on faces at Eaton Park next month.

Details of the club’s annual mini rugby festival – which will take place on Saturday, April 6 – were announced at a launch on Saturday.

The festival will see over 700 families from across the province descend on Eaton Park bringing with them young rugby players from 11 clubs.

The teams will range in age from 6 to 11 years old and consist of 8 to 10 players each. Up to 3 teams in each age group will be on display from each club and matches will be run from 10am to 5.30pm, with the younger players participating in the morning session to lunchtime.

The event this year will be one of the biggest in Ulster, the administration and planning of which has been greatly aided by three sponsors namely; Bank of Ireland UK, the principal sponsor, supported by Sainsbury’s and Calor for the charity BBQ on the day.

There has also been support from organisations in the form of Dale Farm, Barr’s Butchers and Cubic3.

The mini section is truly thankful to all sponsors for their wonderful support in making this event happen.

Sean Sheehan, Regional Manager NI from the Bank of Ireland UK, stated: “We are delighted to see youth rugby developing so strongly across Ulster and support its development through festivals such as the one Ballymena Rugby Club have arranged.

“The festival provides an excellent opportunity for clubs across the Province to engage and develop the emerging talent and promote enthusiasm in the sport.

“We have been the main sponsor of Ulster Rugby for the last 13 years and we look forward to seeing some of the players here today taking to the pitch at Ravenhill.”

The event has also been raising money for NI Cancer Fund for Children and the organising committee will be making a donation to them after the sale of charity players’ socks and other fund raising initiatives at the event.

The future of Ulster rugby will be well and truly on display on the day and on behalf of Ballymena RFC we wish everyone playing or supporting a memorable and fun packed day.

Families are welcome to join in the day’s activities including an all day BBQ, enjoy the facilities at the Club and perhaps stay to watch the televised Ulster v Saracens Quarter Final HEC match in the early evening.

Syd Millar, President of the Club remarked: “It is amazing to see all of our pitches being utilised on Saturday mornings by the mini section with over 400 children playing, in what is an investment in the game in the region.

“ Long may we continue to develop the talent to play for the Senior XV, Ulster, Ireland and the Lions where we have a strong legacy. The Club is proud to be at heart of developing local talent in the community.”

Details of parking and the days schedule will be posted on the Clubs website the week before the event.

The launch of the festival on Saturday was attended by officials from the club, 1st XV and Ulster players and sponsor representatives, who all also watched an exhibition match by members of the P3 squad.