Leeds Rugby Foundation’s fourth Ambassador Festival of Rugby, sponsored by Brett’s Fish Restaurant and the family of Dick Gibson took place on Sunday which saw over 2000 people attend in what was the biggest Rugby League festival in England.
This year's event which was founded by the local community rugby club's was, as promised, bigger and better than ever before with 57 amateur teams taking part in a huge festival at Leeds Rugby Academy – the home of Leeds Rhinos.
As well as the festival for youngsters, Foundation partners Pims Ltd again supplied their hugely popular skills zone for the event which gave the young and old the chance to hone their rugby passing, tackling and kicking skills.
Leeds 17 supplied around 600 children with a free hot meal and offered adults a free glass of wine or beer with their meal at Brett’s Fish Restaurant if they mentioned Leeds Rugby Foundation in their order.
XBlades were selling some of their famous boots and partners ISC were also be there with their unique shirts.
Members of the Leeds Rhinos squad, including Joel Moon and Paul Aiton joined in the fun with the children as they were put in the famous stocks which gave the youngsters the opportunity to fire wet sponges at them! The pair were joined by Jamie Peacock as well as Jamie Jones-Buchanan and youngsters Robbie Ward and Rob Mulhern who all signed autographs.
One of the main features of the hugely successful day was the smash-hit performance from the stars of RugbyAm – the hottest new rugby TV show hosted by Alex Simmons. Rhinos legend, turned Foundation Development Officer Keith Senior joined ‘Simmo’ and ‘Jonesy’ as they MC’d the day with some fantastic comedy well as presenting trophies to all the teams.
Sam Horner commented on the success of the day: “It was a hugely successful event. There was so much going on including Rugby Am as well as a number of stalls. It was great to see youngsters from as little as 6 taking part in the rugby festival as well as the masters! The event really did show the power of community clubs in the city. A big thanks to all the community clubs as well as Leeds 17 for their support.”
There was also a raffle with prizes yet to be claimed. Please email info@leedsrugbyfoundation.org if you own one of the following winning tickets:
- 311 – 315 (yellow) – Signed / framed Kevin Sinfield shirt
- 286 – 290 (pink) – Signed Rhinos shirt
- 851 – 855 (blue) – 4x Rhinos match tickets
- 191 – 195 (yellow) – Lucky Dip prize
- 221 – 225 (pink) – Lucky Dip prize
- 901 – 905 (blue) – Lucky Dip prize
All proceeds will go back to the community clubs in the city to benefit the amateur game.
If prizes have not been claimed by Friday 5th September will be raffled off during Leeds Rugby Foundation’s Celebration Dinner on Saturday 6th September.
Take a look at the photos from the day here: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Leeds-Rugby-Foundation/215340785217319
A final big thanks to David Goodfield for his fantastic photographs of the day!