Darlington Rugby Extravaganza Approaches Half a Century
Darlington Rugby Club’s recent festival at Blackwell Meadows attracted thousands of spectators and players to one of the biggest youth sporting events in the north of England.
The two-day event involved no fewer than 117 teams, with around 1,600 boys and girls competing in this 47th annual rugby extravaganza.
There were trophies and individual medals, with players also assessed by coaches from all ofthe teams for the coveted fair play award based on rugby’s values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship. The accolade was awarded in each age group in recognition of their commitment to these values.
Former captain, president and county representative Bill Robson presented every player with a medal, and. the crowd was entertained between matches with bouncy castles, cake and sweet stalls, two barbecues, a children’s boot camp, rugby ball stalls, face painting, an archery demonstration and an American Football display.
Mysportswear were the main festival sponsor, with all the money raised going to Darlington RFC age grade teams.
Founded in 1863, Darlington is among the country’s oldest clubs and launched the rugby festival in 1974 only missing the period of the Covid pandemic.
One of the club’s directors Adam Walker said: “Players enjoyed the rugby and loved the wet, muddy conditions on the Sunday. Teams came from as far away as the Wirral, Huddersfieldand Penrith. Everyone had a great time and the atmosphere was amazing.
“Fair play is pivotal to our sport and we saw incredible examples over the two days, as well as fantastic team spirit and camaraderie. Our U14 girls were unbelievable, winning all the matches they played and showcasing the level of skill being developed by our club, at a time when the women’s game is soaring on the back of the success of the Red Roses in the Women’s Six Nations.
“The level of interest in the event was phenomenal, not only among the many people who attended but also on our website which was ranked 23rd in the country for hits, the highest ever recorded and compares with the normal figure of around 500th.”
Mysportswear were the main festival sponsor, with all the money raised going to Darlington RFC age grade teams.The medical cover was provided by TD Med which supported the event with an ambulance and a quad bike for fast response.
