Hundreds of young rugby players representing dozens of clubs the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland will participate in the #OspreysChallenge over the next two weekends.
Operated in partnership with Mitour, official event partner of Ospreys in the Community, #OspreysChallengeWales takes place in Bridgend this weekend, building on the success of last year’s inaugural challenge where more than 1,500 people attended from over 60 teams from Wales, England and Ireland.
Then, a week later, the first ever #OspreysChallengeEngland takes place in Lincolnshire over the May Bank Holiday weekend.
A total of 162 teams will compete across the two weekends, which will see teams enjoy a fantastic, fun-filled few days of rugby, taking on opponents they normally wouldn’t face, plenty to do off the pitch too. The festivals also provide onsite catering and refreshments, entertainment, a fun zone and the chance to meet Ozzie the Osprey and Ospreys players.
John O’Leary, Director, Mitour, said everyone is looking forward to two busy weekends of activity:
“It’s fantastic to see the Ospreys Challenge growing year on year. Last season’s launch event in Bridgend was a huge success which will be replicated this weekend, while the event in Grimsby will allow Mitour and the Ospreys to grow their reach, helping us towards our shared aim of making the Ospreys Challenge the biggest of its kind in the UK.
“Mass participation festivals like this are a great way of encouraging children of all abilities to enjoy the benefits of playing sport with their friends, regardless of gender and ability. We look forward to two successful weekends and then making 2020 even bigger and better.”
The Welsh Challenge will once again see teams based for the weekend at Parkdean Resorts Trecco Bay, with Tondu RFC playing host for the on-field action.
Skegness is the base a week later for the English Challenge, with clubs staying at local Haven Holidays & Parkdean Resorts sites and Grimsby RFC the venue for the teams across the holiday weekend.
Swansea based Mitour’s expertise is in facilitating both national and international travel for schools and sports clubs. They already have a successful UK festival itinerary along with numerous options for clubs looking to travel further afield, including hosting events overseas in countries such as Holland, Belgium and France.
An ATOL and ABTA accredited company with over 25 years’ experience of sports tours and travel, Mitour was recognised as one of the fastest growing 50 companies in Wales in 2018.
Tom Sloane from Ospreys in the Community, said:
“This is our second year of working with Mitour as our official events partner, with the #OspreysChallengeWales and #OspreysChallengeEngland central to the relationship.
“They are leaders in their field, their particular expertise being in events and festivals, a key area of our activity, which makes this relationship a perfect fit for both parties.
“The combination of miTour’s travel and logistical knowledge and experience, Ospreys in the Community’s rugby expertise and the fantastic facilities provided at the host resorts, is a recipe for two fantastic events that will engage hundreds of young rugby players with the Ospreys brand over the next two weekends, setting a strong platform for the Ospreys Challenge concept to keep growing.”