News
50 Years of Bedford Junior Blues
Today, Saturday 11 November, is a historic milestone for Bedford Junior Blues. Today marks the exact day, 50 years ago, when Gareth Davies, Budge Rogers, Pat Briggs and Alan Thorp took to the turf for the first time, and little did they know, were creating what is known today as Bedford Junior Blues.
In 1973, some 120 children arrived on the pitch after posting an advert in the local paper. Today, over 600 children attend the Junior Blues every weekend, offering rugby for ages 4-18.
Bedford Junior Blues has gone from strength to strength over more recent years, with an established pathway from mini rugby (U5 to U12) to junior rugby (U13 to U16) then onto colts (U17 & U18). This provides a great pathway for all children to go on to play rugby at university or in the local community.
A number of players have had success in Northampton Saints and England academies with more players being identified as part of the Saints Developing Player Programme, most recently Tom Litchfield who has spent recent times on dual reg back at his hometown team.
The club continues to offer rugby for all, following the core values of the RFU: Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship. All our opposition from Bedfordshire and beyond enjoy playing against the Junior Blues and benefit from the great facilities provided by Bedford Athletic Rugby Club and Mowsbury Park.
So far this year, Junior Blues has celebrated the 50th year anniversary with a Family Fun Day, the return of the mini-rugby festival, launching the Bedford Junior Blues eagle mascot and harmonising match shirts with the senior teams. For the remainder of the campaign, they will also host the all-important volunteers night, the end of season awards and a cocktail party in May to wrap up the 50th season in style.
Junior Blues will form the Guard of Honour pre-match at this afternoon's clash with Hartpury University as well as more activation around Goldington Road.
Here's to the next 50 years of Bedford Junior Blues!
