About the Festivals
“Connecting People through a Community Event”
The Junior Community Rugby Festival is an event tailored for players aged 5-11 years. Its primary aim is to promote enjoyment, participation and a sense of community spirit. The festival features modified games that enable players to participate with and against others from both local and other regions emphasising the values of Inclusivity, Respect and Community.
The festival goes beyond the field prioritising the well-being of players by promoting physical activity in a postivie and supportive environment. Sportsmanship takes precedence over competition, ensuring that every participant feels valued and celebrated within this inclusive community.
Our Vision
For all Junior Rugby players in the New Zealand rugby community, to have the opportunity to participate in a one day rugby festival.
We want every young player to experience the magic of rugby in an atmosphere of FRIENDSHIP, CONNECTIONS, and ENJOYMENT.
About Us
The Junior Community Rugby Festival was born in 2020, on the final day of COVID restrictions, with 30 pioneering teams from across the Waikato coming together to participate. During the challenges of COVID, we witnessed the cancellation of countless community events nationwide and saw firsthand the toll this was taking on communities and our own family.
With extensive experience organising large-scale school sports events in the education sector, we had seen the profound impact of sport when presented in a positive and inclusive way. We understand the vital role sport plays in personal development, connecting communities, and fostering a sense of belonging. However, we also recognised how, at times, the focus on results was detracting from the joy and experience of sport for children.
Brendon Hart and Carrie Johnston, the creators and organisers behind these festivals, brought their expertise from years of event management for children in New Zealand and abroad to establish these festivals. They saw an opportunity to bring communities together in the wake of COVID, creating events that focus on connection, belonging, and that are highly organised positive experiences for all participants. The Junior Community Rugby Festival is a celebration of rugby's ability to unite, inspire, and create lasting memories for young players and their communities.
Our Values
Inclusive - Ensure that all players, regardless of their skill level, gender, ethnicity or weight grade feel welcome and have the opportunity to participate.
Respect - Encourage players, coaches, officials and spectators to show respect towards one another. This includes respecting opponents, team mates, referees, coaches whanau and facilities where festivals take place.
Community - Valuing community means recognising the strength and benefits that come from active participation, collaboration and mutual support within a community. The importance of encouraging individuals to actively engage with and contribute to the well-being and development of the rugby community they are part of.
What are we trying to achieve?
The Junior Community Rugby Festival aims to achieve several key objectives:
Promote Participation and Enjoyment: Encourage children aged 5 to 11 to actively participate in rugby, fostering a love for the sport in a fun and inclusive environment.
Build a Sense of Community: Create opportunities for players, whānau, and supporters to connect, collaborate, and celebrate through shared experiences, strengthening community bonds.
Encourage Well-Being: Prioritise the physical, mental, and social well-being of participants by promoting active lifestyles, teamwork, and positive sportsmanship.
Teach Core Values: Embed and demonstrate the values of Inclusivity, Respect, and Community, ensuring players, coaches, and supporters uphold these principles throughout the event.
Inspire Future Generations: Cultivate leadership, collaboration, and commitment within young players, encouraging them to become the future leaders, coaches, and volunteers of the sport.
Break Down Barriers: Provide equal opportunities for all players, regardless of skill, gender, ethnicity, or experience, by modifying games to ensure inclusivity and accessibility.
The ultimate goal is to create an event where every participant feels valued, connected, and inspired to continue their journey in sport and within their community.
