HUNDREDS of young athletes from around the country descended on a North East school in a mass celebration of sport and camaraderie.
Barnard Castle School played host once again to an annual sporting festival featuring rugby and hockey teams from all over the North.
Budding athletes competed for honours and silverware including the Seddon Cup and Ewart Cup for hockey and Clegg Cup and Tait 10s for rugby.
In the U10s and U12s hockey, Barnard Castle School competed against Dame Allan’s, Royal Grammar School (RGS) and High School for Girls, all from Newcastle, as well as Thirsk, Durham, Aysgarth, near Bedale, Scarborough College, and Belhaven Hill School, Dunbar.
Under 10s and U12s rugby saw Barnard Castle pupils play teams from Dame Allan’s, Yarm, Aysgarth, RGS, Durham, QEGS, Wakefield, Prince Henry Grammar School, Otley, Scarborough College, Bradford Grammar School, Rodillian, near Leeds, Hymers, Hull, Sedbergh, Darlington Mowden Park, Woodhouse Grove, Bradford, and Belhaven.
Barnard Castle School’s director of sport Rachael Masterman said: “With 38 teams, more than 390 young athletes and a huge number of spectators, the festival provided an outstanding opportunity for pupils to compete, make new connections and experience the enjoyment of school sport alongside schools from across the North of England and beyond.
“The trophies carry a strong connection to Barnard Castle School’s sporting heritage. The hockey cups are named after former teachers who played an important role in developing hockey at the school.
“The rugby trophies honour Old Barnardians who went on to enjoy illustrious careers in the sport. As a result, the young athletes competing for the cups were not only playing for tournament honours, but were also becoming part of a sporting tradition that stretches back through generations of Barnard Castle pupils.”
Barnard Castle School headmaster David Cresswell added: “It really is a highlight of the school year to host this sporting festival where we witness such great sportsmanship on the pitch and watch some very entertaining hockey and rugby.
“The great thing about sport is that it is a community and pupils will find themselves playing the same people as they grow up, thereby forging some lasting friendships. I used to play hockey, it was my favourite sport, and I made friends for life as a result.”
A particular highlight of the day was the involvement of Barnard Castle School’s Sixth Form students, who took on the important roles of umpires and referees across the festival.
Rachael said: “Their contribution was a fantastic example of how sport at Barnard Castle extends beyond participation, providing students with valuable opportunities to develop leadership, communication, decision-making and confidence.”
Barney’s First XI hockey captain Ella T said: “The festival always sees some great competitive games, played in a fabulous atmosphere, offering the opportunity to meet new people and the chance for pupils to test themselves against different teams. It’s a time to make memories which will stay with you forever.”
First XV captain Harry C added: “It’s a great chance to play with your mates, enjoy the occasion and competition and watch the next generation of Barney players coming through the ranks.”