Grassroots sign-up call to kick off Rugby League World Cup
Teams are being urged to register for the Squads on the Tyne festival at www.rlwc2021.com/squads-on-the-tyne
It has already attracted more than 100 teams and is open to primary and secondary schools, as well as junior rugby league clubs, mixed touch rugby teams, PDRL, LDRL, and masters RL (35+).
The blockbuster event will be held from Friday, October 14 to Sunday, October 16, with Newcastle Rugby Foundation hosting the festival as a key part of the RLWC2021 tournament’s opening ceremony weekend at Kingston Park, in Newcastle.
The venue will host three matches during the World Cup, including Scotland against Italy.
The community event has been made possible with funding from the North of Tyne Combined Authority’s Tourism & Events Programme
Run in partnership with The Newcastle Rugby Foundation, the North of Tyne Combined Authority and Newcastle City Council the festival aims to kickstart the biggest, best and most inclusive Rugby League World Cup in the sport’s 127-year history.
The Squads on the Tyne Festival will begin on the Friday with teams from the region’s primary and secondary schools in action, along with masters rugby league teams from across the country.
Saturday will see junior clubs and tough rugby in action, before Rugby League World Cup 2021 kicks off with England and Samoa opening the men’s competition at St James Park.
The festival will conclude on the Sunday, as the junior girl’s teams take to the field at Kingston Park before Scotland Men taking on Italy in the afternoon.
Rugby League World Cup 2021’s Social Impact Director, Tracy Power, said: “The festival will be a wonderful celebration of rugby league and form a key part of an incredible opening weekend of the tournament. Rugby league truly is a sport for everyone and to have this festival happening on the same weekend that two of the opening tournament fixtures are in the region.
“There is still time for teams to register to take part and play on the same pitch that will be played on by some of the best players in the world during the tournament. I encourage anyone who is interested in taking part to register their interest now and be part of the biggest, best and most inclusive World Cup in the tournament’s 127 year history.
“Our thanks go to North of Tyne Combined Authority for their support of the festival and to the Newcastle Rugby Foundation for organising what will be a huge, inclusive and very enjoyable event for well over 100 teams from across the UK.”
Melanie Magee, Head of the Newcastle Rugby Foundation, said: “Entries are increasing on a daily basis as schools return and junior rugby league clubs start to wind down their season. All can enjoy a weekend in Newcastle playing rugby league before going on to watch the best in the world, at two great venues, in our wonderful city.
“There is still plenty of time for teams to enter. Involvement is free and the festival will showcase the truly inclusive nature of rugby league with physical disability rugby league, mixed sex touch rugby, Masters RL (Over 35s) and boys and girl’s categories.”
Registration for the Squads on the Tyne festival is free. For more information, visit www.rlwc2021.com/squads-on-the-tyne