Festival of Rugby at City Academy

City Academy Bristol was alive with excitement as it hosted the Women’s World Cup Trophy Tour Festival, a special T1 rugby celebration event welcoming schools from across the Bristol area.

The morning festival was delivered by City Academy Bristol’s Rugby School Manager Theresa Bickell, with support from the RFU, and brought together 10 schools from across Bristol. In total, ten Year 7 girls’ teams and 9 Year 9 teams took part, engaging approximately 200 students in a vibrant celebration of rugby.

The event was made even more memorable by the presence of Bristol Bears Women players Delaney Burns, Holly Phillips and Rownita Marston‑Mulhearn, who attended as guests of honour.

Students enjoyed meeting the players, taking part in signings, selfies, and having their photos taken with the players and a unique piece of sporting silverware.

Adding to the excitement, the World Cup trophy, currently held by the England, was on display. England took centre stage in Bristol when they faced Wales at Ashton Gate, a match in which Delaney Burns featured, giving students a direct connection to the elite level of the women’s game.

Rather than focusing on scores, the festival was judged on values. Teams were assessed using the RFU’s TREDS values – teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline and sportsmanship – alongside the Cabot Learning Federation’s HEART values, which promote high expectations, equity, all children, resilience and togetherness.

Following a morning of energetic rugby, Oasis Brislington were named Year 7 winners, while Yate Academy claimed the Year 9 title.

Theresa Bickell, Secondary School Engagement Co‑ordinator for the CLF and Bristol Bears Foundation, said: “It was fantastic to see so many students from across the Bristol area come together to celebrate rugby.

“The energy, teamwork and enthusiasm on display truly reflected our CLF HEART values, and we hope this experience inspires even more young people to get involved in the sport.

“The festival highlighted the power of rugby to bring young people together, inspire ambition, and celebrate the future of the women’s game.”