Earlier this month, Bournemouth Rugby Club marked a powerful and emotional day of community spirit and youth rugby as 26 Dorset schools came together to honour the life and legacy of player Ellis Edwards, who sadly passed away aged 11.
As an official sponsor of Bournemouth Rugby Club for the 2024/25 season, Dorset-based housebuilder AJC Group was proud to be part of the first Ellis Edwards Primary School Festival, which brought together 29 teams of Year 5 and 6 pupils from across the county.
Held at Bournemouth Rugby Club on 3 April, the event commemorated the one-year anniversary of the passing of Ellis Edwards, a young player who began his rugby journey at the club aged just six and showed immense bravery during his battle with cancer. The festival, which is set to become an annual legacy event, was also held in support of local children’s charity Amelia’s Rainbow.
St Ives Primary School emerged as the winners, claiming the Premiership Shield, whilst Corpus Christi walked away with the Championship Shield. All participating schools and players were recognised for their outstanding sportsmanship, energy, and team spirit throughout the afternoon.
AJC Group was appointed as Headline Community Patron of Bournemouth Rugby Club in autumn 2024 and is also the Headline Youth Sponsor for the U11s team, which now proudly sports a brand-new match kit supplied as part of the partnership.
Natalie Gomez, Client Relations Manager at AJC Group, said: “ It was clear the event had a huge impact on everyone there, from the children taking part to the adults supporting them. You could feel the values that Ellis embodied coming through in every match played – courage, camaraderie, and determination. We’re incredibly proud to support this event and the club as a whole, and I truly hope more children will be inspired to join Rippa Rugby in the weeks to come.”
Stuart Gallacher, Director at Rippa Rugby, said: “The Ellis Edwards Festival was a truly special day – not just for the rugby played, but for the sense of community and remembrance it created. Seeing so many young players come together in Ellis’s memory was incredibly moving.
“We’re hugely grateful to AJC Group for their ongoing support. Their commitment as a sponsor has made a real difference, helping us deliver meaningful events like this and grow grassroots rugby across Dorset.”
The Ellis Edwards Primary School Festival is set to become a cornerstone of Bournemouth Rugby Club’s community programme, providing a meaningful way for young players to engage with the sport and learn the values that Ellis championed both on and off the field.
As a business rooted in the Wessex region, AJC Group is committed to supporting local initiatives that encourage community wellbeing, youth engagement and inclusive opportunities.
To find out more about AJC Group and its work across the region, visit www.ajcgroup.uk.