Pitch Up Weekends Celebrate Rugby’s Return
There’s to be a celebration of rugby’s return, supported by the National Lottery, as clubs across the country embrace Pitch Up weekends on the 4th and 5th and 11th and 12th September.
After a challenging time, during which lockdowns made it impossible to train or play, it’s clear that players of every age are keen to get back together. And supporting that race to return to the pitches, there has been a real surge in numbers signing up to courses for referees, coaches and first aiders.
Hundreds of clubs are putting on events for all ages. There will be Warrior Camps for women and girls, and non-contact forms of rugby which will encourage new players and those coming back after a break. Men’s and women’s 15-a-side teams will be out in force and, as at any big rugby event, there will be barbecues, beer tents, music and all the fun that players and families have been missing.
“I’m delighted clubs across the country are able to get all formats of rugby back on the pitch and open their clubhouse doors once again," said Rugby Football Union CEO, Bill Sweeney.
“We know being part of a team is not just something players feel is important to their physical health but also their mental wellbeing and social life, so are excited to be able to show communities up and down the country just what their local rugby club has to offer as part of the Pitch Up for Rugby initiative. I hope people can make it down to support their nearest club’s weekend celebrations”.
At Lewes rugby club’s Stanley Turner Ground in East Sussex, their women and girls will be raring to go on 5th September, having been inspired by a Twickenham training session won in a social media competition thanks to Mitsubishi Motors. Sixty players enjoyed a session with coaches, as well as current and former Red Roses Shaunagh Brown and Tamara Taylor.
At the other end of the country, Crewe & Nantwich RUFC are hosting an afternoon and evening event which will involve their women’s first team playing Didsbury and the men’s seconds taking on Knutsford. There will be lots of rugby enjoyment for their younger players who can’t wait to get back with their team-mates. But the event attracting most attention is likely to be their sponsored fire walk over 15ft of hot coals for The Smile Group, a perinatal mental health Cheshire charity. The Guinness World Record holder will be there to give tips and a safety talk and for the kids there’s a sponsored Lego walk – ouch! More information on the charity challenge here.
Said club secretary Jorge Richards: “One of our primary concerns has been the mental health and wellbeing of our players and the impact of the pandemic. This will be a great occasion to make sure everyone is back having fun and knows we are there for them.”
The two Pitch Up weekends will also give a chance to thank the many volunteers nationwide who kept the game going during the most challenging of times and supported the NHS and their local communities. Thanks to them the rugby family will be back together.
