Following the success of tours arranged for clubs from underprivileged areas of Uganda, Serbia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Poland to the UK during 2006/7, touraid decided to go one step further and organise a tournament. The touraid  U14 Cup took place between 24th-30th September 2007.

Ten teams competed from very diverse and contrasting countries; Swaziland, India, Cambodia, Zambia, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Romania, Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa.

Although these children are from countries that are geographically diverse they are united by their similar experiences of hardship and need.  All the participating children are known to come from very underprivileged communities.

Our desire was to reach out to them and use the rugby ball as a beacon of hope. It was our aim that this experience should act as a catalyst in their lives, and those of their communities, acting as a trigger in their social, cultural and intellectual development.  It is our belief that this experience will widen their horizons and provide long-term benefits for their futures through the relationships established in this country.

Each team of 12 players was accompanied by two members of staff and hosted by a school and parents of the children at the school for the duration of their stay.

The host schools provided accommodation, transfers and meals. In return the school's community benefited from hosting the children by developing a deep understanding of their cultural and social background. Past experience showed that six nights in each other's company enabled a good bond to develop between the host community and their guests. This is expected to create a greater chance of a long-lasting and unique legacy to develop.

Each touring team was linked with a host school, rugby club and tour sponsor. Along with the school appointed liaison officer, the tourists will were met on their arrival by two Boost volunteers from Loughborough University or students from University of Portsmouth. All the students were rugby enthusiasts and throughout the week's tour they devoted all their time and energy to looking after the needs of the children and acting as a liaison between the tourists, school and touraid.

A ten-a-side tournament for all ten teams was hosted over two days with the group stages taking place on Thursday 27th September at Esher RFC and the Finals on Saturday 29th September at the Richmond Athletic ground.

The host schools competed in a shadow tournament and there was plenty of opportunity for joint practice sessions and the chance to support each other and learn more skills. A full report on the tournament can be read by clicking here

Premiership Rugby Club coaches and RFU coaches were on hand during the week and touraid’s Ambassadors, Chester Williams and Sue Day were present to meet all involved.

The who week was a great success and the tourists really did experience a tour of a lifetime.
To read testimonials and press coverage about the touraid U14 Cup, click here