A new fun-packed beach sports event is coming to the Fylde coast this September. Fylde Council is pleased to be hosting the first-ever Global Beach Rugby and Netball event in St Annes, organised by the leading sports event company Global 13.
The exciting three-day event will take place right next to St Annes’ Pier and will feature both contact and touch formats of a hybrid game developed between Rugby Union and Rugby League, as well as beach netball tournaments running alongside. There will be competitions for men, women, and a mixed open, together with age categories and a Masters event. One of the highlights will be a “Legends” game featuring well-known former rugby international players from both codes.
Chairman of the Tourism and Leisure Committee at Fylde Council, Cllr Michael Sayward commented, “We’re thrilled to be able to support the hosting of this fantastic launch event, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. It’s a major coup for the town, with the event rolling out across Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia following the launch in St Annes in September. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the borough to promote health and wellbeing through sport, as well as being a tourism driver for new visitors and the chance to show what Fylde has to offer, especially in terms of our brilliant local businesses who we know turn first-time visitors to Fylde into fans who return again and again.”
Other events are planned for the South of France, Spain’s Costa Calida, UAE, and Thailand, and organisers have made a firm commitment to St Annes being a regular host on the circuit.
Global 13 Director Jason Harborow commented, “Fylde Borough Council have been extremely supportive from day one, and what was an initial suggestion quickly became a reality thanks to the Council’s vision and willingness to support the event and bring a new attraction to the town.”
“St Annes is going to be an anchor host for us, with the event hopefully returning on a regular basis. It is the perfect venue for what will be an action-packed weekend of rugby and netball. Players will be travelling from across the UK, and whilst there is a competitive element, the emphasis is on taking part and having fun within a festival-type atmosphere.” said Harborow.
The weekend will include live music on the beach, a fairground, and other attractions. Prior to the event, Global 13 will be working with local schools and community groups through a number of “Try It” sessions aimed at all ages and abilities.
Harborow continued: “Whilst there will be world-class players and former internationals from both codes of rugby and Touch Rugby delighting us with their skills, we are equally keen to attract novice players, both male and female, to enter a team and enjoy the weekend.”
The event takes place on September 17th - 19th on St Annes Beach. Entry details and more information can be found at www.global-beachrugby.com
