U13 & U14 Foundation Festival In Partnership With Middlesex County Rugby

On the 4^th of February 2024 the London Irish Foundation hosted an Under 13s and Under 14s community rugby festival in partnership with Middlesex County Rugby.

Over 30 teams brought over 1,500 people to create an amazing atmosphere at the Hazelwood Sports Ground in Sunbury-on-Thames. 

With the support of Middlesex County Rugby the Foundation arranged an RFU "Take up the whistle" referee course to train new referees for the festival.  Bishop Wand School ACE players and staff attended the course and referred during the festival.

London Irish Foundation Community Lead, Johnny O'Hehir, commented that "The referees brought enthusiasm and game understanding and we wouldn't have had such a successful festival without them.  We also had a large number of club referees who volunteered on the day so thanks go to them all.".

Johnny went on to say “The standard of the rugby played by both age groups was fantastic and the atmosphere everyone created was amazing and saw all teams applauded throughout the festival.”. 

The festival was very competitive, but it was also great to see the team spirit, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship, that’s what rugby is all about.

The overall winners of the Under 14 festival were Battersea Ironsides beating London Irish RFC in a keenly contested final match.

Bob Lawless, Chairman of Middlesex County RFU Coaching and Referee Development said "On behalf of Middlesex Chair Eddie Keal & Rugby Development Chair Lou Latter, we offer a great deal of thanks to London Irish Foundation for the running of a youth festival at Hazelwood which was supported by Middlesex. This was a great example of a quality of experience for all those players participating and the young match officials in attendance. The medical cover, pitches and signposting all helped in making the day an enjoyable occasion for all in attendance.".