Dalziel Rugby Club set to host 33rd annual Festival of Youth Rugby
Dalziel Rugby Club is preparing to welcome a new wave of young rugby talent as the curtain rises on the 33rd annual Festival of Youth Rugby this Saturday at Dalziel Park.
The highly anticipated event is set to bring together hundreds of young players from across Lanarkshire and beyond, including local sides from Hamilton, Strathaven, Uddingston, Lenzie and East Kilbride, alongside touring teams from Ulster, Sale and Bowdon – underlining the festival's reputation as one of the premier youth rugby showcases in the UK.
The long-standing celebration of grassroots sport remains a tribute to late festival founder, Alan Calder, whose vision of rugby as an inclusive and character-building game lives on through each fixture.
Club spokesman Euan Duguid said: 'We're proud to once again host this brilliant event, which continues to grow in scale and stature. This weekend's festival is about more than rugby – it's about camaraderie, community and giving young players the chance to shine.
'We're delighted to welcome both returning and first-time touring teams, and we're especially pleased to see strong representation from our Lanarkshire neighbours. It reflects the strength of the local game and the enduring appeal of this event.'
With more than 900 players expected to take the field across multiple age groups, the club is encouraging spectators to car share where possible due to limited parking availability. No parking is permitted on Hagen Drive, and stewards will be on hand to direct traffic throughout the day.
Entry is free for children and coaches, while adult spectators are asked to pay £3 on arrival – a small contribution that helps assist with the running of the festival. A memento programme is free of charge.
Euan added: 'There's something special about watching the next generation take to the pitch with pride and purpose. The festival's heart lies in its original ethos – creating an enjoyable, inclusive day of rugby, win or lose, for every young person involved.
'Thanks as ever to the families, coaches, volunteers and sponsors who help bring it all together. Saturday promises to be a cracking day out.'
The day is expected to run from morning kick-off through to late afternoon, with food stalls, a club shop and plenty of pitch-side atmosphere.
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