Over the past few months, we have been in communication with our local Constituent Body, Dorset & Wilts RFU with regards to our planned Youth and Mini festival in April 2021.    As previously communicated, when we would usually be able to obtain approval from the RFU, this process, quite rightly, is not possible at this time.  Under normal circumstances, to plan a safe festival welcoming circa 160 teams from local and touring teams, keeping players and volunteers safe, takes many months to plan.  We had hoped with the announcement of the vaccine there was light at the end of the tunnel, with the festival being able to take place, even in a reduced capacity.

With the recent Government restrictions and the likelihood these will continue into March, as a club our priority is the safety of all players, parents and of course the abundance of volunteers we need to run a festival of our size.   Sadly, we have made the decision not to proceed with our planned festival this year.  We hope to run smaller local festivals early next season and will review how we proceed for 2022.

We know this will be disappointing news for many players and parents alike, as we all want to get back to playing rugby.  However, we are confident clubs will understand the decision we have made.  If you have shown interest to attend our festival, we will retain your details and contact once we have more information to share.

For touring teams, Burleigh Travel informed us in November 2020 that as we were unable to obtain permission and therefore were not in a position to confirm the festival, they [Burleigh Travel] would not be sending touring teams to our festival if permission was granted, and would find an alternative venue.  Therefore, any tours booked with Burleigh Travel please contact them directly for more information. 

Thank you for your continued support.  Keep well and safe.

Dan McKrill

Youth and Mini Chairman