A major rugby festival for junior players will take place in Cardiff this Saturday (June 1), ahead of Welsh rugby’s double-derby ‘Judgement Day’ fixture at Cardiff City Stadium.
The ‘Mini Judgement Day’ rugby festival, sponsored by BT, and run by the community teams of Cardiff Rugby, Dragons RFC, Ospreys and Scarlets will see more than 800 under-7s and under-8s players from clubs across Wales come together for an inter-club, mini ‘tag’ rugby tournament at Cardiff’s Leckwith Stadium.
Junior players taking part will be presented with medals from senior players from Scarlets, Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby and Dragons RFC before participants and their families have the chance to head across the road to watch the Judgement Day matches between Scarlets and Dragons and Cardiff Rugby Vs Ospreys at Cardiff City Stadium.
BT has sponsored all four pro rugby teams in Wales – Ospreys, Cardiff Rugby, Scarlets and Dragons RFC – since 2014, marking ten consecutive years as sponsor.
Nick Speed, BT Group’s Head of Nations and Regions, said: “It’s great we have so many young players and their families heading to Cardiff again this year to take part in this big event.
“Supporting grassroots rugby and community events like this has been a major part of BT’s sponsorship of the Welsh clubs over the last decade. For these junior players, having the chance to play against teams from across Wales, and then receiving a medal from one of the pro players, will create lifelong memories.”
A total of 62 junior teams from across Wales will attend the event, resulting in around 800 under-7s and under-8s playing in the tag rugby tournament.
Tanya Evans, Team Manager and coach of Bridgend Sports U7 team, who will be taking part in the rugby festival on Saturday, said: “The BT Community Festival is such a big event and a chance for our players to celebrate all they have learnt throughout the season. Our players are very excited and gives them the opportunity to play other teams from outside our area, widening their perspectives and building new skills and friendships that will last.
“Festivals like this one show that rugby is a game for everyone and we see friendships, memories and bonds created that last. It’s huge for these youngsters.”
Dylan Davies, Chairman of Bethesda rugby club’s Minis and Juniors section, said the festival was the highlight of their season and the five-hour coach trip down from the north of Wales would create a great bond between the players.
“This is like a mini tour for our teams and a highlight of their season, creating a special bond within our community from parents, to coaches and players and the chance for our teams to play new teams in the south,” he said.
“To be handed medals after the games by Wales and British and Irish Lions players is something these players will never forget and the scale of the event is really amazing for everyone to be a part of.”
Kristian Gay, Coach of Abertillery RFC mini and juniors, said the event can help inspire the youngsters involved and develop their skills.
“The BT Community Festival is such an important, memorable and special event for all the teams involved and brings together all the parents and supporters from all different backgrounds and locations in one big celebration of our game in Wales.
“Rugby at this age is so important in helping building soft skills, communication skills, friendship groups, confidence and it’s great because there is always a place for you in rugby, whatever your shape or size, or wherever you come from.
“At this age, to have events like the BT Community Festival inspires young players and represents the epitome and values of our game.”
Volunteers from BT and EE sites across Wales (Swansea, Cardiff and Merthyr Tydfil) will also be in attendance to support the festival, working with the community rugby teams.
