BARLA are on the final countdown for their BARLA Youth & Junior National Cup Finals which are being played at Batley Bulldogs RLFC who play their games at the iconic and famous Mount Pleasant Stadium, Batley.
The finals which involve three age groups will be played at the ground on Saturday 13th July will commence at 12noon for the Under 14’s, 1.30pm for the Under 16’s and conclude with the Under 18’s at 3.10pm, which includes a newly named inaugural cup in the opening clash of the day.
There are ‘War of the Roses’ clashes in each age group, the Under 14 Final will see Castleford Lock Lane take on Rylands Sharks playing for the inaugural Nick Smith Foundation BARLA National Cup, which will be passed on yearly and create a legacy for the Nick Smith Foundation and BARLA.
The Under 16 BARLA National Cup Final will feature Blackbrook Royals against Siddal and the Under 18 BARLA National Cup Final will see Leigh Miners Rangers against West Hull.
Admission
Adults £5
Concessions £3
Under 16’s Free
Steve Manning BARLA Vice Chair
“The clock is ticking down now to the BARLA Youth & Junior National Cup Finals which will see three ‘War of the Roses’ clashes to determine the best sides are in the country at their own age groups. These prestigious
cups are the ones which all clubs want to win testing themselves against clubs outside their own respective leagues to become top dogs.
“We congratulate all the finalists who will be playing at the iconic and famous Mount Pleasant Stadium, Batley renowned for its prominent slope at one end of the ground, which will test all their rugby league skills. It is a professional ground, a stadia fit for BARLA to hold their finals and one that the players will remember for the rest of their lives.
“The games are being played on the Saturday so as not to disrupt the youth and junior playing leagues who play on Sundays and BARLA hope that as well as supporters from the respective finalists that neutral club supporters from their respective leagues will support the their teams.
“It only costs five pounds for adults, three pounds for concessions and its free for under sixteen’s. It would be great to see supporters in their own clubs colours to enhance the event and create a great atmosphere to see who will be crowned best of the best at their own respective age groups.”
The Nick Smith Foundation
The aims of the foundation are as follows.
The Foundation was founded following the death of Nick Smith, an amazing man who was struck down by the cruellest of diseases – Motor Neurone Disease.
Diagnosed in September 2017 at the age of just 37, Nick – husband, father to two young children, son, brother, grandson, uncle, godfather, colleague and friend – died just 102 days after being diagnosed on 20 December 2017 just two weeks after his 38th birthday.
A legend of amateur rugby league, Nick played with Siddal ARLFC from the age of eight making 400 appearances for the team. He played professionally when younger with both Leeds Rhinos Academy and Sheffield Eagles before embarking on a career as an accountant.
After his diagnosis, family, friends and colleagues came together to raise money to support him and his family with amazing generosity and support.
This Foundation has been set up to ensure Nick’s legacy is one of continued support for research into MND, for young children who suffer bereavement with the death of a parent and for the development of rugby league.
Three causes we know Nick would have been passionate about. We support them in his name, as his legacy.
The Nick Smith Foundation is a registered charity in England and Wales – number 1178182.
Steve Manning
BARLA Media Manager
.png)
