HUNSLET Rugby Foundation’s second summer festival, which was again run in conjunction with Luke Gale’s `Kicking for Grassroots’ initiative, was a resounding triumph.
Hosted this time by hospitable Leeds Corinthians RUFC following the 2022 success at Hunslet Warriors, Sunday’s event attracted around 57 junior sides from around the north of England, with some 700 players enjoying themselves.
The Foundation’s General Manager Mikey Nuttall enthused: “At one time there were around 2,000 people in the ground and everyone had a terrific time with not only the rugby to provide entertainment but a bouncy castle, paint-your-face facilities, a tombola and other attractions.
“Luke Gale kindly attended prior to Wakefield Trinity’s game, while I have to pay tribute to the Corinthians, and their chairman Andrew Cassar in particular. The grass needed cutting prior to the event but heavy rain during the week created a bit of a problem. But we had a ten-hour window on the Friday and Andrew and I jumped on a tractor and got the job done.
“I’m also very grateful to the many volunteers – including members of my own family – who gave up their time to ensure that everything went so smoothly. The festival was even bigger than last year’s, which is saying something.”
Plans are already in hand for a repeat next year.
