This summer Leeds Rhinos Foundation will host the biggest Junior Rugby League festival in England, with the support of local fish and chip restaurant, Charlie Brett’s.
The annual Dick Gibson Ambassador Festival of Rugby, which is now in its fifth year and is run by the city’s community clubs, provides a day of Rugby League for over 700 children, with players from 56 local community clubs competing at the Leeds Rhinos’ training ground in Kirkstall.
The event is named in memory of the late Dick Gibson, who was chief scout for Bramley RL and a key figure in the development of grassroots Rugby League in the city. This passion for helping support the next generation of players has now become a family affair, with Dick’s son and granddaughter both now following in his footsteps with their support of community rugby.
This year Charlie Brett’s fish restaurant will be taking over the sponsorship from one of the other restaurants owned by the family.
As well as sponsoring the event, those attending the massive community event will also get the chance to sample their famous fish and chips as the restaurant will also be providing catering on the day, when a crowd of over 2,000 people are expected to attend.
Fiona Gibson said:
“We really enjoy being a part of this fantastic festival of rugby and it’s been great to see how much it has grown in support over the years and what a positive effect it has on these kids. Charlie Brett’s is proud to sponsor something so beneficial to the Community, obviously rugby was a massive part of my Grandad’s life and I know he would be blown away by all the commitment and effort that’s put into this festival by everyone involved – it’s going to be a great day and as an added bonus you will be able to come and try some of Charlie Brett’s fantastic fodder!”
Leeds Rhinos star Jamie Jones-Buchanan and players from Milford Marlins juniors were given an early sample of the menu when they were invited to the restaurant for the launch of this year’s festival.
Commenting on the event Jones-Buchanan said:
“As a former community club player at Stanningley ARLFC the importance of these events is massive as it brings together the entire Rugby League community and provides a great platform for the kids to go out and enjoy a day of rugby. It’s imperative that we keep these annual events going and that is thanks to support from companies such as Charlie Brett’s.”
Sam Horner, the community club development officer for the Leeds Rhinos Foundation who will help organise the event with the community clubs said:
“The Dick Gibson Ambassador Festival is a significant event from a Rugby League development point of view as it’s equally run by Leeds Rhinos Foundation and our many community clubs who benefit from money raised on the day and giving their players the opportunity to play on the same facilities used by the Leeds Rhinos.”
Davide Longo, the general manager at the Leeds Rhinos Foundation added:
“We have a great relationship with Charlie Brett’s restaurant and with the family of Dick Gibson and it’s pleasing to be able to announce their support of the festival in 2015.
“The restaurant is well known to the Leeds Rhinos fans and a firm part of the Rugby League match day in Headingley and through their sponsorship of the festival, Charlie Brett’s will be helping support what is a flagship event for community Rugby League in Leeds.”
This year’s event will take place on 23rd August at Kirkstall training academy and is open to all local community clubs.
For more information on getting involved in the Dick Gibson Ambassador Festival contact: Sam.horner@leedsrugbyfoundation.org
The video for the press launch with interviews from Fiona Gibson and Jamie Jones-Buchanan is available below: