24/10/2025
On sunday we hosted a landmark Minis Festival Showcasing Inclusion, Collaboration and Community Spirit,, welcoming more than 200 girls alongside over 1,500 mixed minis players from U7 to U11 for a full day of rugby, teamwork and celebration on the club’s iconic First XV pitch.
The festival focused on collaboration between clubs, with blended teams formed across age groups to ensure every player enjoyed positive, competitive match play. Coaches and managers from multiple clubs joined forces, sharing expertise and creating new friendships that carried through onto the pitch.
Volunteers, referees, and organisers coordinated seamlessly to manage fixtures, player rotations, and welfare — ensuring a safe, inclusive, and energetic day of rugby for all.
The day kicked off with a mass warm-up and dance-along on the First XV pitch that instantly set the tone. Players from every club joined in a choreographed routine that brought the entire festival together.
Coaches noted how the shared warm-up helped players relax, fostered teamwork, and even inspired some celebratory dance moves during matches and breaks. The atmosphere was electric — a true celebration of the sport’s spirit of unity.
Spectators and players alike enjoyed a day packed with high-quality rugby and smiles all around. The matches were competitive yet friendly, with strong displays of running lines, defensive organisation, and team play across all age groups.
Around the clubhouse, families and fans enjoyed great food, lively support, and well-earned medals — reinforcing Esher’s reputation for creating memorable community events. Many players benefited from the opportunity to play in mixed teams, gaining confidence and new friends along the way.
Feedback from visiting clubs reflected the festival’s success and spirit:
“The girls loved it! Thank you so much for a great event!”
“A massive thank you from Chipstead — you and your team should be really proud.”
“Combining clubs to make up teams has been a real success, creating bonds between players and coaches.”
“Huge thanks to everyone at Esher for a brilliant festival.”
“The girls really enjoyed the grounds, the stadium, the medals, the hot dogs — and, of course, the rugby!”
“Fantastic celebration of girls’ sport — thank you!”
Organisers praised the collaborative spirit shown by all involved — clubs, coaches, volunteers, and families — and highlighted the milestone of having the girls’ section take centre stage on the First XV pitch for the first time.
Plans are already underway to build on this success, with future festivals set to retain the blended-team format and mass warm-up as core elements, continuing to promote inclusion, enjoyment, and the shared values at the heart of Esher Rugby Club.
