Hundreds of young rugby players set to come to Darlington for festival
The Darlington RFC Minis and Juniors Rugby Festival takes place this weekend
Organisers of Darlington's minis and juniors rugby festival are preparing for what they say will be the biggest event to date this weekend.
142 teams from all over the country are set to take to the field for the 50th annual regional event - attracting more than 1500 players.
Renee Kendall, tournament co-organiser, said: "We are really excited for this year’s festival. Not only is this the 50th rugby festival, but it is also set to be the biggest yet with an additional 22 teams registering.
"In recent years we have seen more interest from touring teams. This year we have players coming from as far as Loughborough, Boroughmuir and Dunbar, which is incredible.
"We would like to thank TD Med for supporting the event as festival sponsor. They have supported us for several years and in their role as sponsor they will also be providing first aid at the event.”
Andy Gunnell, club chairman, said: "The festival is one of the highlights of our season. We are really excited to welcome clubs from across the country.
"Players will not only get to play some great rugby, but they will also enjoy the social aspect of the game. The festival always feels like a celebration of the sport and the atmosphere is fantastic.
"This is demonstrated best by the focus on the Fair Play Awards, presented at each age grade for the team who demonstrates best the ethos of rugby union football and the RFU code of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship.
"Grassroots rugby is heavily reliant on willing volunteers. To see everyone come together and have a great day is the best thing we can do as a club.”
Hundreds of players will battle for honours at the Darlington RFC Minis and Juniors Rugby Festival from tomorrow (Saturday 2nd May) to Sunday (3rd May).
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the cake, sweets and kit stalls, alongside a stand from the army and a bouncy castle on the Sunday.
Live music from Hammie will bring the festival weekend to a close at 6.30pm on the Sunday.