Over 600 young rugby players recently took part in the Primary Schools’ Mini-Rugby Festival, playing at the home of Ulster Rugby, Affidea Stadium.

The event was sponsored by SPAR NI, Ulster Rugby’s first community partner and the primary sponsor of Ulster Rugby’s Mini rugby activities across Northern Ireland.

The partnership began in 2022 and so far, over 8,000 young people have benefitted from the partnership.

The match-up has worked to elevate the club’s grassroots sport in local communities by supporting the next generation of players, coaches, referees, and volunteers across the country.

The Primary Schools’ Mini-Rugby Festival is a key calendar event for the youth game, which showcases the development of basic skills, understanding of the rules of rugby, and behaviours required to play the game.

This year, the Primary Schools’ Mini-Rugby Festival, which ran from 18 – 22 May, saw 690 kids take part over the five days. Each team got the opportunity to visit the stadium and play against other schools, encouraging teamwork and collaboration.

Laura Thompson from SPAR NI commented, “Signing as Ulster Rugby’s first ever community partner back in 2022 has enabled the club to bring brilliant opportunities and activities to hundreds of schools and clubs across Northern Ireland over the past four years. The Primary Schools’ Mini-Rugby Festival is always a fantastic event, supporting the next generation of players and bringing young people together to learn new skills through team sports.”

Hugh McCaughey, CEO at Ulster Rugby, commented, “We want to thank SPAR NI for their support since the beginning of the partnership in 2022. The Primary Schools’ Mini-Rugby Festival is a great opportunity for aspiring young rugby players and our partnership with SPAR NI allows us to continue holding events like across the province.”

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