Young talents from the County Derry region were afforded a remarkable opportunity to exhibit their rugby prowess at the esteemed Aviva Stadium during the ALDI Play Rugby National Festival. This event, held on April 17th, brought together more than 350 children from 19 primary schools across Ireland for an exhilarating blitz, commemorating the triumph of the ALDI Play Rugby programme.
Notable participants included pupils from Irish Society Primary School and Castledawson Primary School, who had the privilege of emulating their rugby idols by gracing the field at this iconic venue. The presence of esteemed Irish rugby figures and ALDI brand ambassadors, Paul O’Connell and James Ryan, alongside women’s international player, Ruth Campbell, added a thrilling dimension to the day, as they engaged with the children and imparted their expertise.
The ALDI Play Rugby programme, a creation of the IRFU and backed by ALDI, seeks to provide primary school students with a secure and pleasurable introduction to rugby, while also promoting an active and healthy lifestyle. Since its establishment in 2016, the programme has achieved remarkable success, experiencing a surge in participation of over 90%. In 2023, over 126,000 students from 724 schools across Ireland engaged in the programme, marking it as the most involved year thus far.
Looking ahead, ALDI has extended its collaboration with the IRFU for an additional four years, pledging to persist as the Official Fresh Food Partner until 2028. This commitment ensures that ALDI will continue to render substantial support and investment to the ALDI Play Rugby programme, thereby broadening the opportunity for more children throughout Ireland to partake in rugby and adopt healthy habits.
Reflecting on the festival, Paul O’Connell, ALDI Play Rugby Ambassador and former Ireland captain, commended ALDI for its dedication to endorsing grassroots rugby and fostering a healthy lifestyle. He lauded the energy and passion exhibited by the young players and expressed his pride in being associated with such a impactful programme.
For those keen on acquiring further knowledge about ALDI Play Rugby and the procedure for their school’s involvement, comprehensive information can be accessed via the official website.
The ALDI Play Rugby National Festival proved to be a splendid acknowledgement of young talent and the influential role of sports in advocating a healthy and active lifestyle among children. It was a day brimming with excitement, enlightenment, and merriment, serving as a true testament to the triumph of the ALDI Play Rugby programme in nurturing the next generation of Irish rugby stars.