The Community Team were delighted to welcome a number of rugby teams to Reading to take part in a range of rugby activities before the final home game against Leeds Carnegie. On Sunday 4th May at the Berkshire County Sports Club Grounds, U7 teams from Reading RFC, Reading Abbey RFC and Aldershot and Fleet RFC were involved in a Triangular tournament where they played each other in a fun style TAG tournament. Meanwhile U10 squads from Kidderminster Carolians RFC and Aldershot and Fleet RFC enjoyed a special coaching session with Community Development Manager Philippos Kyriacou, before playing a friendly game against each other. Also there on the day were U13 pupils from Crescent College Comprehensive who took part in a special Matchday MasterClass. Lead by Community Coach Ian Price for the first half of the session the guys worked on rucking and off loading before and after the tackle. The group then split into backs and forwards and focused on positional play.
 |
After a fun morning everyone made their way over to the Madejski stadium to take part in various match day activities. The U7 teams were all invited to a special presentation ceremony where the results of the tournament were revealed by Community Development Manager Philippos Kyriacou. In third place were Aldershot and Fleet RFC, second were Reading RFC, making Reading Abbey U7 champions. All team members were presented with a medal from Exiles star Kieran Roche, who was also thrilled to pose in a team photo with them. Both U10 teams were also invited to meet Kieran and have their photo taken with him. Students from Crescent College had a great time forming the Guard of Honour and met London Irish resting players Juan Leguizamon, Gonzalo Tiesi, and Dom Shabbo who joined them for a special pitch side photo before the game.
Rugby charity IRB SOS Kit Aid were also present at the stadium collecting unwanted/outgrown rugby kit from all our supporters. They had a great day receiving various bits and pieces in their trademark red bins. Everything collected on the day will be sent away and used to help the development of junior rugby in less advantaged countries by kitting out youngsters in Romania, Georgia and Moldova. Thank you to everybody who donated!
As if that wasn’t enough excitement for the day all U7 and U10 teams then got the opportunity to show off their rugby skills by playing a special exhibition game at half time.
Speaking about the day Community and PR Officer Zoe Mathieson said “Today has been a fantastic way to end the season, with some excellent rugby on display from all age groups. I’d like to thank everybody for making our final home game so memorable. I’d also like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s been involved with any of our programmes this season. Philippos, Ian and myself have enjoyed every minute of it and can’t wait to welcome you all back again after the summer break!”