More than 170 pupils took part in a schools rugby festival in Reading, organisers have said.
The event, held at Geoffrey Field Junior School on 23 March, was delivered by CH Rugby and Reading RFC for schools in the Whitley Excellence Cluster (WEC).
Pupils from eight local schools took part in a day of activities, with younger children enjoying “didi rugby” in the morning and older pupils competing in a tag rugby tournament in the afternoon.
The morning session involved Year 1 and 2 pupils from Geoffrey Field Infant School, Christ the King and Ridgeway, while the afternoon saw Years 3 to 6 from Geoffrey Field Junior, New Christ Church, Lambs Lane and Whitley Park take part.
Organisers said the event was supported by volunteers from Reading Rugby Club and funded by the Reading Rugby Foundation, which also provided trophies and medals.
Stuart Spindler, trustee of the foundation, said: “This was an excellent day of physical activity and fun, which we were delighted to support.
“We are focused on experiences like this, which give young people the chance to try a sport that may well be new to them.”
Dave Marks, deputy head teacher at Geoffrey Field Junior School and WEC sports co-ordinator, said the tournament had become an important fixture for local pupils.
“Once again, Reading Rugby Club and CH Rugby have coordinated a fantastic tag rugby tournament for the children of Whitley,” he said.
“Many of our current and past pupils have gone on to join Reading Rugby Club outside of school, which highlights the impact these annual tournaments have.”
Reading RFC club captain Danny Pratt, who presented trophies at the event, said it was “a pleasure” to be involved, particularly as he grew up and went to school in Whitley.
Craig Hunter, who helped organise the festival, said the day had showcased both rugby skills and sportsmanship.
“Everyone involved had a great time and it was fantastic to see the students demonstrating rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship,” he said.
Organisers said they hoped the event would return next year.
