It is time for the youth to shine as 700 young rugby players from 58 different teams prepare for the largest rugby festival in Chipping Norton. The event, scheduled for April 28, will mark the third Festival of Rugby hosted by the Chipping Norton Rugby Club.
One of the main attractions of the festival will be the presence of 16-year-old Ellie Wilson, a former ‘Mini’ player at the club, who will have the privilege of presenting medals to the young players. Wilson, who has established herself as a rising rugby star, recently represented England Under 18s in the Six Nations Festival, where her team finished as runners-up to France. Currently, she continues to pursue her passion for rugby at Gosford All Blacks and Hartpury College, where she is also studying PE, business, and psychology at A Level.
Expressing her anticipation for the upcoming event, Wilson said, “I played Minis rugby at Chippy from the age of five to 13 and learned so much in the process, so I am delighted that I will get the chance to celebrate the achievements of the many under 10 and under 11 players who will be taking part in this year’s festival.”
In addition to the on-field action, the festival will also serve as a fundraising event for the Chipping Norton Rugby Club. The proceeds will be utilized for delivering essential coaching courses and improving the club’s pitches. The event will commence at 9.30am and promises to be an exhilarating day for players and spectators alike.
The support from local businesses and sponsors has been crucial in making the festival a success. Key sponsors such as Diddly Squat Farm Shop, Brethertons Solicitors, SE Solicitors, Radnor Hills, and others have contributed to the event’s success. The festival is expected to attract players and visitors from Berkshire and beyond, making it a truly community-centered event.
In addition to the rugby action, attendees can enjoy a variety of refreshments from pitch-side bars and onsite caterers. Duncan Midwood, the chair of the minis, emphasized the positive impact of the festival on the young players, stating, “Our annual festival is a great opportunity for us to showcase what this wonderful game has to offer young people, and we are delighted that Ellie is going to be with us on Sunday to celebrate our fantastic end of season finale.”
The festival is open to the general public, providing an opportunity for the community to come together and enjoy a day of sportsmanship and camaraderie. For those who wish to learn more about the Festival of Rugby, additional information can be found on the Chipping Norton Rugby Club website.
In conclusion, the upcoming rugby festival in Chipping Norton is gearing up to be an exciting day for young players, families, and the local community. With the enthusiastic support of sponsors, the dedication of the players, and the presence of rising star Ellie Wilson, the event promises to be a memorable celebration of the sport and its values.