U9s Festival prevails in face of Desmond
The Falcons Community Foundation rose to the challenge of a week’s worth of poor weather at Sunday’s game against Saracens, delivering a successful under 9s festival by making use of the club’s main 3G pitch.
With the grass pitches around the Kingston Park and Bullocksteads complexes usually employed for pre match activity already drenched in water ahead of the arrival of Storm Desmond, a festival that was originally scheduled for 48 teams was forced to be reduced to 25.
Further cancellations after the weather devastated large parts of Cumbria eventually saw 20 teams participate on Sunday, in what remained an enjoyed morning of junior rugby.
Speaking on the challenges posed, Foundation Programmes Coordinator Emily O Connor said: “First of all we want to extend our sympathies to the teams who were unable to travel from Cumbria, it was heartbreaking to see clubs who we work so closely with over the season in such a state.”
“We also want to thank all the clubs who were so flexible during the week when we had to change itineraries around.”
“The 28 teams who were unable to attend, have been invited back to a festival we will run at the London Wasps game in March and we’re looking forward to seeing them here.”
The club will be announcing details of plans to help the rugby community effected by Storm Desmond later this week.
