RUGBY PLAYERS SUPPORT NOTTIES SCHOOL
Rugby fans are in for a treat when Nottingham Road Primary School plays host to a touch rugby tournament on Saturday, September 3.
All funds raised from the family-friendly event will go towards helping the school.
Grant Stewart, spokesperson for the Nottingham Road Touch Rugby Tournament, said: “The school is close to many people’s hearts, as many a Nottingham Road local attended Nottingham Road Primary.
“This is why we decided to start the Notties Touch Tournament. There are various forms of fundraising done before and during the tournament. These funds raised go towards the school and their need for upgrades.”
The tournament, which was first staged last year, got underway when Stewart approached the school asking if a group of guys could play touch rugby on the field on Wednesday evenings from 5pm.
“The school was so welcoming and inviting and thus the relationship formed,” he said. “The field was levelled and sorted out by some of the guys who play touch and who had the resources and equipment. Flood lights were installed by WFF Electrical for those darker winter months.
“Ever since those who want to play meet, play some touch and often enjoy a beverage after the game.
“We have been so lucky to have the support of the community and various businesses around the area, as well as the school in allowing us to use their premises.”
Using the funds raised at the last tournament, the community was able to upgrade the cricket pitch at the school, paint and fix some of the roofs and contribute towards fuel costs for transport to sporting events.
They also aim to continue to do maintenance at the school and hopefully upgrade and revive the school’s sports pavilion and bathrooms.
“A long-term goal would also be to get involved with helping the children at the school to learn more about rugby, through little workshops held by the Notties Touch Club.”
On the weekend of the tournament, players can travel to Nottingham Road on Friday, September 2 to register and then enjoy music by Tanner Wareham at
VdeV. Entrance for players is R250. Games will be 10 minutes long and teams are five-a-side.
In addition to the rugby, there will be:
• A dung drop raffle where contestants predict where a cow will defecate. If you pick the right spot, you could win
R5 000.
• Craft beers, gin and brandy from Nottingham Road Brewery.
• A beer tent.
• Marimba music from Khazimula Children’s Home.
• Music from Peter Guthrie, a member of the Spoonfeedas.
• A raffle with great prizes.
• The Springboks versus Australia test match on the big screen. For more information about the tournament contact Grant at 073 884 1152.