Over the past four years of its running, the Fylde and Wyre RUFFS league has continued to develop and has regularly attracted the attention of talented young players from local schools. This year has been no different. It’s been another successful season and long may it continue. Over the year:

• 34 teams took part in the competitions from 8 schools
• Over 150 games played across 5 age groups
• Over 470 pupils taking part
• 314 tries scored

Fylde and Wyre RUFFS were awarded a grant from Lancashire County Council to fund the development of the surrounding structures and ensure the sustainability of the league for future years. This allowed the achievement of the following:

• 8 pupils are now on Community Sport Leadership  Awards in Tag Rugby
• Teachers have helped out with officiating and scorekeeping
• Equipment has been supplied to all schools
• All the schools/clubs help us by allowing us to use their facilities

Following the education and development of teachers/volunteers and school pupils. The funding has allowed the group to build a sustainable base for a schools league and to develop and grow the sport. This will allow the competition to continue growing and hopefully raise standards over the coming seasons.

Over the past year there have been approximately 500 people who have benefited from the RUFFS structure and through the education of teachers and volunteers this number increases significantly when taken back in to school and club environment to additional young people who have not yet taken part in the league.

As well as the Lancashire County Council funding, local businessman Graham Clayton (Claytons the Jewelers) continues to support the schools league by providing the competition prizes. A special thank you goes to Graham for sponsoring the competition.

The winners and runner-ups of the competition in each year were invited to RUFFS presentation evening at Fylde RFC. The presentation evening was a success with 150 people attending. So special thanks to the teachers of respective schools who made sure the students and parents were able to attend the event. Each teacher came up onto the stage and made a speech about the successes that the school and players have made this season.

The evening was topped off when former England and Fylde RFC star Jason Robinson arrived to present the medals.

The RUFFS winners were Baines (Year 7), Carr Hill (Year 8 and Year 9), Arnold (Year 10/11) and Blackpool College 6th Form (6TH Form).

Thanks to the Chefs for the wonderful catering and also the Fylde RFC staff for providing great hospitality throughout the evening.

Thanks must also go to the schools and teachers, as well as the RFU and in particular Greg Hodgkinson, who have all worked very hard to ensure the League has continued to grow and flourish. An additional thanks to Fylde, Fleetwood and Garstang rugby clubs for their support to the league and its schools which has created an outlet for players in the area and promoted the sport across the region.