HOPPERS ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF MINI RUGBY
(Sponsored by Westholme School)
SATURDAY 23RD & SUNDAY 24TH APRIL 2016
The festival, held over two days for the first time, was not only a great success but has also proved to be a platform for future growth. The favourable feedback to date is a tremendous reflection on the detailed planning of the event – Graham Murphy deserves a special mention in this respect.
A big thank you to all volunteers – from the faithful stalwarts (such as Parky and young Ducky) to the keen first timers (such as Sam Dugdale, who played for England Under 16s only a week ago – and his Mum, Julie)
Over the two days the tournament attracted 118 teams and approximately 1650 players, involved parking in excess of 1100 cars and selling 750 programmes.
The UK Military School’s junior assault course proved a big hit with over 60 teams fiercely competing for one of the coveted awards.
No less than 64 volunteers were there to manage the rugby, plus a further 16 put their hands up for car park and programme selling duties.
As always we are indebted to Dave Preston for preparing the pitches and clearing up after each day – Sunday’s rubbish alone filled a skip!
Allan, the Chef, achieved a ‘personal best’ by selling record volumes of sausages, burgers and chips!
The new ‘awards for all’ policy resulted in a packed clubhouse for the awards ceremonies, ably managed by Sean Taylor, our Community Rugby Coach. Lively ends to great days of rugby!
In summary the scale and success of the event is a great credit to Hoppers – not many clubs can boast such levels of willing commitment and enthusiasm.
