Approximately 1000 children from North West rugby clubs took part in the festival, which ran from 10am to 4.30pm. Sharks players Aston Croall and Mike Haley visited Manchester Rugby Club and walked around the park to speak to as many of the young participants as possible, signing souvenir posters at the Sharks desk before dashing off to the U7s venue at Broughton Park.
Sharky also visited the Manchester campus, where he was mobbed and photographed by several of the teams. Our world famous mascot even received some lovely drawings and a cup cake from very generous fans!
In the afternoon, James Doyle and Sam Tuitupou were on hand to present the prizes. James spent time at Broughton Park, watching the finals for the Cup and Shield, being closely contested by Wilmslow and Wigan and Macclesfield and Manchester, with the final winners at U7s going to Cup winners Wilmslow , and Shield winners Macclesfield.
Sam Tuitupou, with Sharky in close attendance, was present in the afternoon to award the prizes to the U8s, U9s and U10s at Manchester.
Under 7
Cup Winners - Wilmslow Wolves; Cup Finalists - Wigan
Plate Winners - Macclesfield; Plate Finalists - Manchester
Fair Play Award - Broughton Park
Under 8
Joint Cup Winners - Stockport & Bowdon
Joint Plate Winners - Blackburn & Warrington
Fair Play Award - Bowdon
Under 9
Cup Winners - Sefton; Cup Finalists - Warrington
Plate Winners - Vale of Lune; Plate Finalists - Wilmslow Wolves
Fair Play Award - Waterloo
Under 10
Joint Cup Winners - Sefton & Wilmslow
Plate Winners - Chester; Plate Finalists - Bowdon
Fair Play Award - Bowdon
Community Events Co-ordinator Helen Stuart, who works with many of the clubs taking part, said, "It was really lovely to be able to see so many young boys and girls enjoying their rugby. Sharky was a big hit, with many of the youngsters and their families wanting to give him a high five.
The children who had been part of the match day activities at the game against Leicester Tigers on Friday night were pleased to see Sharky again, and were full of enthusiasm for their special night out, playing in the Half Time Tag. Thanks to Hewden's continued sponsorship, this on-pitch highlight is free to the young players.
All participants and their families were able to take advantage of the 'Kid for a Quid' offer for the first Heineken Cup game against Cardiff Blues on Sunday 14th October (12.45pm), details of which had been placed into the festival programme and tickets were on sale on the day.
If you missed out on Sunday - please contact Adam Brame at adam.brame@salesharks.com or call him on 0161 286 8905. Just as a reminder, there is no limit to the number of children you bring with you, as long as there is one adult purchasing a ticket!
Alternatively, we also have an offer for a ticket in the North stand which is just £10 per adult and that includes a free pint - But you can't mix the two offers!
