University steps in to save schools rugby tournament (From Preston and Leyland Citizen)

University steps in to save schools rugby tournament

9:00am Tuesday 23rd September 2008

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The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) has stepped in to help save a schools rugby tournament organised by Preston Grasshoppers.

For the last two years the Hoppers' Lightfoot Green base has been the venue for a floodlit knockout tournament involving some 20 Under 16 sides from schools right across the North West.

Previously, the competition was hosted for 16 years by the Liverpool St Helens club before moving to Lightfoot Green in season 2006/7.

In the current economic climate, the Grasshoppers club, with extensive other youth and community commitments, would have struggled to fund the tournament this season and there was some doubt as to whether the event would go ahead.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), who sponsored the final in March last season, heard of the club’s plight and have stepped in with increased sponsorship to support the whole tournament.

Dr Adrian Ibbetson, Academic Director of Sport at UCLan, said: “We were impressed with the competition when we got involved last season and think that it is most important to support sport in this age group to help ensure that youngsters continue to participate as they approach the end of their school years and move on.

"We have an extensive range of sports degree courses at the university, including Sports Events Management and Sports Coaching, so we intend to maximise our investment by involving students in the future events and activities at the club, providing them with valuable practical experience.

"Preston Grasshoppers has great facilities and, as our local club, we are keen to develop relationships to mutual benefit.”

Grasshoppers vice-president and event co-ordinator, Henry Porteous, added: “This is great news.

"This floodlit competition has proved extremely popular with the schools and gives U16 players an opportunity to experience different opposition in a professional environment.

"We are delighted to be working with UCLan and will do our utmost to ensure that we justify their generous investment and, just as importantly, that the participants enjoy the experience.”

The competition will be known as the UCLansport U16 Floodlit Cup and the first tie takes place on Wednesday, September 24, kick off 6.15 pm when Bramhall High School take on St Edward’s Liverpool. Admission is free.

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