2019 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship launched

The second edition of the SP Energy Networks’ Warriors Championship for schools was launched this afternoon at Whitelee Windfarm on the outskirts of Glasgow.

More than 1,000 girls and boys are competing in this year’s rugby competition which will give a platform to grassroots talent to display their skills at Scotstoun Stadium, the home of Glasgow Warriors.

The tournament will see 25 schools from across west, central and southern Scotland compete during seven weeks of action, with the final being played prior to the Guinness PRO14 match between Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby on Saturday 27 April.

The Warriors Championship was established four years ago and has helped raise awareness of rugby union at grassroots level whilst promoting active and healthy lifestyles to young people.

SP Energy Networks began supporting the event last year after coming on board as the club’s Official Community Partner at the beginning of the 2017/18 season.

Pupils and teachers from participating schools were shown around Whitelee Visitor Centre, which officially opened to the public again today after a winter break. They were joined by Glasgow Warriors player Lee Jones as well as SP Energy Networks Chief Executive, Frank Mitchell and Nathan Bombrys, Managing Director of Glasgow Warriors.

Frank Mitchell, CEO at SP Energy Networks, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Glasgow Warriors again this year to promote the benefits of grassroots rugby in the communities we serve.

“As well as getting young people active, the partnership is a fantastic way for us to engage young people with STEM subjects and inspire them to be a part of the future of the energy sector, where many of their qualities as budding sports players are equally as valuable.

“Today, we’ve swapped the rugby pitch for Whitelee Windfarm to give participating schools a unique tour ahead of the tournament kick-off. Good luck to everyone involved!”

Nathan Bombrys added: “We’re proud of our partnership with SP Energy Networks, our Official Community Partner, and the Warriors Championship wouldn’t be possible without their generous support.

“This initiative is part of our wide-ranging community programme, which includes camps, training sessions and pre-match community activity before all our home games.

“The Warriors Championship has grown year-on-year and is an opportunity for kids to come and play rugby at the home of the Warriors, including some who wouldn’t normally get the chance to play competitive rugby.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming more than 1,000 boys and girls to Scotstoun over the next few months.”

Each school will take part in qualifying rounds at Scotstoun, beginning on Wednesday 6 February, and will have two S1 and S2 boys’ teams competing as well as an under-15s girls’ team.

Throughout the 2019 SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship, school kids will get an opportunity to meet members of the Glasgow Warriors squad.

Glasgow Warriors player Lee Jones said: “It’s always good to see so many kids playing rugby and having a good time at Scotstoun. Good luck to all the boys and girls competing in this year’s SP Energy Networks Warriors Championship.”