ITS KIDS TAKEOVER DAY
Round 16 of the BKT United Rugby Championship on May 10th & 11th saw the next generation getting a taste of involvement in a typical top level rugby match day.
The ‘Kids Round’ was all part of the ‘Take on Tomorrow’ programme which aims to use the power of rugby to change the lives of young people across the five territories in which the URC is played. The BKT URC wants to show how its clubs nurture and engage with the next generation of fans and that match days are the ultimate family friendly event.
Across all Round 16 matches, kids had the opportunity to ‘takeover’ a range of match day roles giving them a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes and how one day they could, perhaps, work in the sport. The range of jobs included broadcast match manager, Player of the Match interviews, ground staff, kit manager and PA announcer.
NEWEST ASSISTANT ON THE PITCH
One of the highest profile roles, however, was working with the referee and assistants – looking sharp, as always, in their Kappa kit. Step forward young Ollie who spent the afternoon showing the match officials how it’s done at the Munster v Connacht clash at Thomond Park. It was his job to lead them through their pre-match routine, starting with the coin toss. The lead match official and the Munster and Connacht team captains looked on as Ollie tossed the coin to decide who would kick off the game.
Right after that it was out onto the pitch where Ollie led the officials through their warm up – a crucial part of the pre-game routine to make sure they are mentally and physically ready to take charge of the match.
Ollie certainly put them through their paces in front of the large crowd gathering ahead of the match in the impressive Thomond Park stadium, home of Munster.
Ollie then had the opportunity to relax and watch the game with his family and meet some of the players, as well as our broadcast presenters. Overall he had the full experience, and the team at Munster were incredible at welcoming him in too.
All in all, a very successful day, and just one of the many ways in which the BKT URC clubs are looking to connect with their younger fans.
Kappa is the Official Supplier Partner for the BKT United Rugby Championship, providing kits for the match officials as well as complimentary training and travel wear.
