Floodlit festival held at Coleraine RFC

Clubs including Ballymena, Ballymoney, Limavady, Strabane, Letterkenny and Rainey Old Boys with around 90 players were taking part on the evening.

The players demonstrated great skill, energy and enthusiasm and throughly enjoyed the experience.

Ulster Rugby Community Rugby Officer, Shaun Bloomfield speaking after the successful event said: “We wanted to provide an additional opportunity for U12 players to get some game time as well as providing the clubs with an opportunity to recruit players into a structured environment.

“I didn’t imagine that it would have been so successful.

“In total eight clubs took part over two evenings and it has been so well received we are now looking to organise another couple of festivals soon.

“I would like to thank City of Derry and Coleraine for hosting the festivals and all the players, coaches and parents who came along.”

Convenor of Mini Rugby at Coleraine RF&CC, Gerry Lafferty, added: “It is important for us to keep the under 12s involved in rugby, there is a big age difference from P7 mini rugby to youth rugby at Under 14.

“The under 12 group will hopefully bridge this gap and allow the boys to progress right through the club from mini to youth and eventually senior rugby.

“Coleraine are very proud of the Mini section at the club which has over 160 players from P1 to U12.

“New players, beginners or those that have tried it before are always welcome,” added the convenor.