The Tribune

FREEPORT Rugby Football Club will proudly host their Youth Rugby Festival at the FRFC Club, located next to the YMCA this weekend (May 13-14).

This year, over 350 young players from the ages of eight to 18 will be participating in the weekend games.

Girls and boys from all age groups will be enjoying the experience of playing against international opposition from Cayman, Bermuda, Nassau, Key Biscayne, Florida and Turks and Caicos. “We are thrilled to keep this dynamic event for rugby youth players going for the Caribbean and The Bahamas,” said Robert Speller, president of the FRFC. “This year will be our eighth consecutive event, it’s a win for our club, tourism and, most importantly, for the youth.”

The festival games are slated to begin at 9am on Saturday, following a private welcome reception for players, coaches and parents on Friday night.

Sunday will see games start at 9.30am and finish around 2pm with a beach party to follow. “This is our third year travelling to Grand Bahama for this event,” said Craig Massey, of Lyford Cay Rugby. “The hospitality at the club is fantastic, the local hotels, the camaraderie with teams and coaches makes this not only a fun event but an exciting one. For us it also gives us a chance to showcase our team and play competitively - the kids love it.”

FRFC members and senior players will all be working to host the 500 strong contingent, organising dinners, transportation, programmes and more.

“Our goal is to get in as many games as possible for each age group,” said Nigel Kirkby, FRFC senior referee. “Its very competitive on Saturday and then on Sunday we mix up the teams, so the kids get to play with other islands. And, if we aren’t too exhausted, the coaches will also play a game and show them how it’s really done.”