Vospers Tag Rugby Programme Celebrated at Brickfields Festival
Plymouth Albion and Vospers came together once again to deliver a memorable Tag Rugby Festival at Brickfields, marking the conclusion of this year’s Vospers Tag Rugby Programme.
Now in its second year, the programme continues to make a meaningful impact across the city, with over 500 children introduced to rugby over the past two years through free coaching delivered in local primary schools.
This year’s programme saw ten schools from the PL1 and PL2 areas take part in a series of weekly coaching sessions led by Albion’s Community team:
• Pilgrim Primary Academy
• Stoke Damerel Primary School
• Pennycross Primary School
• Montpelier Primary School
• St George’s CofE Primary School
• St Andrew’s CofE Primary School
• Mayflower Community Academy
• Keyham Barton Catholic Primary School
• Marlborough Primary Academy
• Weston Mill Community Primary Academy
Across the programme, pupils developed their understanding of tag rugby while building confidence, teamwork and communication. Each session was built around the core values of the game, with respect, discipline, enjoyment and teamwork at the heart of everything delivered.
A Festival to Remember
The programme concluded with a ten-team festival at Brickfields, bringing together pupils, teachers and families for a brilliant day of rugby.
Despite the weather offering a bit of everything, from wind and rain to hail and sunshine, the spirit of the day never dropped. Hundreds were in attendance, creating a fantastic atmosphere across the pitches as schools competed and supported one another throughout the day.
The festival provided a chance for players to showcase everything they had learned over the programme, with plenty of tries, teamwork and smiles on display from start to finish.
Each child also received a Vospers goody bag to take home, rounding off a memorable experience for all involved.
Backed by Vospers
The programme has been made possible thanks to the continued support of Vospers, who have played a key role in its delivery.
From providing essential equipment such as rugby balls, bibs and tag belts, to supporting the wider programme, their commitment has ensured that every child has had the opportunity to take part.
Vospers Chairman, Peter Vosper, was in attendance throughout the festival, supporting from the sidelines and celebrating the success of the day.
He said:
“We saw how popular this was last year and we can see the enthusiasm shine through from the children. It’s a joy to watch them out here having fun. The great thing about watching is you can see how excited they are. It’s all great fun but you can see the competitive side of the children come through as they play. They are really enjoying the day and we are proud to support this here at Vospers.”
Plymouth Albion Managing Director, Max Venables, added:
“This programme is all about creating opportunities. Over the past two years, we’ve been able to introduce hundreds of children to rugby in a really positive environment, and days like this bring that journey together. The way the children have embraced the game and its values has been fantastic to see, and we’re incredibly grateful to Vospers for making it possible.”
Inspiring What Comes Next
Beyond the festival, the programme continues to play an important role in growing grassroots rugby across Plymouth.
By giving children their first experience of the game in a fun and inclusive setting, the hope is that many will continue their rugby journey, whether through school or by joining local clubs across the city.
And for some, this could be just the beginning.
There is a shared ambition that one day, players who first picked up a rugby ball through this programme will return to Brickfields, continuing their journey with Plymouth Albion.
