Kids Kick Mini Ruby into Touch
13 April 2006
Mini David Humphreys and Simon Best wannabes in primary schools across Northern Ireland are lacing their boots and getting ready to scrum in a bid to win the coveted title of Ulster Mini Rugby Champions 2006.
Supported by education ICT specialists, Northgate Information Solutions (formerly Sx3), the IRFU tournament is set to unveil the Ulster rugby stars of the future as children are encouraged to get active whilst perfecting their rugby skills on the eight-aside mini pitch.
Over 1,000 children are set to participate in eight area-qualifying tournaments across the province throughout April, with 34 finalist teams converging on Ulster\'s famous Ravenhill home-ground on 16th -19th May to battle for the 2006 title.
Simon Wallace, commercial manager, Ulster Rugby, said,
"Mini Rugby is a fun and exciting way for kids to play and enjoy rugby on a smaller scale, without losing any of the essential skills and characteristics of the game itself. An established event on the junior rugby calendar, the tournament continues to play an important role in developing and nurturing young sporting talent in Ulster and with the excitement of competing on the historic Ravenhill pitch, we\'re confident the kids will thoroughly enjoy what will be an unforgettable sporting experience."
Stuart Gunning, Education Client Director, Northgate-IS, added
"Northgate firmly believes in investing in today\'s youth, if we\'re to produce the sporting heroes of the future and is delighted to be part of an event that helps boost budding players\' confidence as they aspire of \'Ulster-rugby stardom\'.
"As Northgate continues to progress e-learning solutions in classrooms across the province through Classroom 2000 (C2k), we know that education isn\'t all work and no play. Extra-curricular activities are vital to every child\'s learning experience and mini rugby is a great way for young people to get out and about within the school community.
"With the competition sure to be intense, we wish all the teams participating the very best of luck," he concluded.
