With the sun shining all day, conditions couldn’t have been better for a fantastic youth tournament. From the first whistle to the final game, the kids played with incredible energy, enthusiasm, and resilience — barely stopping as they moved from game to game.
Teams from across the region came together, with HRC Touch fielding three teams, alongside Eindhoven Touch, Luxembourg Touch, BBRFC Celtics, and Kituro Touch. This created a great mix of players, styles, and experiences across the U9, U12, and U15 age groups.
After a quick but much-needed warm pasta lunch, the afternoon brought a great opportunity to mix some teams up. This created a brilliant environment for learning and collaboration, with players adapting quickly, supporting one another, and showing just how much they’ve developed over the season.
One of the standout moments of the day was seeing some of the younger HRC players step in to help Eindhoven during the Under 15s finals. Their willingness to support another team, adapt quickly, and contribute positively on the field was a great example of sportsmanship and the values we aim to instil through youth sport.
All the hard work from training sessions throughout the season was clearly on display. Players were getting back onside quickly, driving the ball confidently down the middle, communicating well, and even coming up with plays together on the pitch. The teamwork, decision-making, and game awareness shown by all age groups was impressive to see.
A huge thank you goes to all the volunteers who helped make the day run so smoothly — the referees, coaches, and everyone involved in organising the pitches, schedules, and teams. Special thanks to Utrechtse Rugby Club for hosting the tournament and providing such a great venue, and to all the parents for their ongoing support, encouragement, and enthusiasm for their children throughout the day.
Most importantly, the kids played with smiles on their faces, supported one another, and showed what youth sport is all about: development, enjoyment, and growing together as a Touch rugby community.
