Aviva Mini Rugby Festival at Ballynahinch RFC, Ballynahinch 22/10/2023
A day of fun-filled rugby was had on Sunday 22nd October 2023 in Ballynahinch RFC, when many excited young rugby players took to the pitch for the return of the Aviva Mini Rugby Provincial Festivals.
The Ulster Provincial Festival saw teams from across the province come together and play, with representation from Ballymoney RFC, City of Armagh RFC, Finn Valley RFC and Bangor RFC to name but a few.
Minis host Ulster Festival
Tim Jackson reports
The largest mini festival hosted by a club across all provinces took place at Ballymacarn Park on Sunday 22nd October.
Unseasonably benign weather conditions meant for a perfect day of rugby, with 20 U10 mixed teams and 10 U12 girls teams battling it out for qualification for the National Mini Rugby Festival at the Aviva Stadium at the end of the season.
Teams from as far away as Letterkenny, Monaghan and Enniskillen took part and were treated to a superbly organised event by David Martin and his band of volunteers.
The ever capable P7 volunteer parents were in charge of the day and were helped out by a willing crew from the U16 Boys team who, managed by Abigail Lennon, co-ordinated the pitches on a very busy day.
The Six Nations trophies were on display in the clubhouse to add a little gloss to proceedings and the IRFU staff present were very impressed by quality of the event.
Ballynahinch Mini Rugby has developed into one of the biggest and best on the island and this festival showcased all the hard work over the past few years to build numbers and recruit volunteers.
Congratulations to everyone involved.
Since its inception, the Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals have been crucial to the rugby development of young boys and girls across the country.
They get the chance to play against their peers, while learning a few new tips and tricks, in a safe, non-competitive, and enjoyable environment.
Over 2,000 children will take part in the Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals this year, with the final, all-girls festival, still to take place in Navan RFC on Sunday November 19th.
Many of those who showcased their skills at Ballynahinch RFC will see their dreams come true, when the Aviva Mini Rugby National Festival returns to the Home of Irish Rugby, Aviva Stadium, early next summer.
To learn more about the Aviva Mini Rugby Festivals, visit:
All photos by (©INPHO/Bryan Keane).
