Masters Rugby League celebrates National Festival in Blackpool

Masters Rugby League celebrated their biggest event of the year on Saturday (September 7) when over 500 players descended upon Stanley Park in Blackpool for another fantastic National Festival.

Organised as ever by Blackpool Masters legend, Paul Ogden, the event saw 42 teams from across the country play over seven pitches with plenty of comradery to show for it.

There are no winners or losers in Masters with each game ending in a 0-0 draw, but at the end of the event participants gathered at Blackpool Cricket Club to celebrate the day and present a handful of awards. Luke Naylor won Referee of the Day with Blackpool Belles crowned Women’s Team of the Day.

Central Coast Bulldogs were recognised in the Men’s category and gold shorts player (60+), John Taylor, was presented with Moment of the Day after he broke the line in his own half and eventually scored and dropped the ball in the in-goal area.

Blackpool Masters Chair, Paul Ogden said:

“This is the twelfth year that the Masters National Festival has been held in Blackpool. Every year it has grown in size, with around 600 men and women playing this year, it was a fantastic sight to see Stanley Parks playing areas packed with Masters players and families enjoying their Rugby League.

“At the presentations in the marquee it was great talking to friends old and new, reminiscing about past games. Many thanks to Blackpool Masters and Blackpool Belles for all their support in organising and helping during the festival.”

Masters Chair, Peter Longbottom said:

“Yet another fantastic year of Master's Rugby League accumulating in the largest ever national festival in Blackpool!

“Thank you to all the volunteer’s, match officials, players families who attended and a special thank you to Wigan Warriors’ Anna Davies for supporting the Women’s section. I look forward to seeing you all in 2025. Have a great off season” 

Masters Cumbria Representative, Willie Reid commented:

“I was very proud to see four Cumbrian teams make the journey to Blackpool in a demonstration of the commitment to Masters Rugby League in the county. 

“The Management Group are extremely proud seeing so many teams and players coming together to celebrate our game.”

Masters Match Official, Luke Naylor also commented:

“Officiating the Women’s Masters teams for the first time, I was unsure what to expect but I was blown away. The games were great to be involved in - showcasing fantastic tackles, determination and equally as skilful as the Men’s.

“The highlight was seeing a female in green shorts (70+) and three in gold (60+) playing with 30–40-year-olds. I congratulate all the Women for making my day special. I hope to officiate more games in the future.”

To find your nearest Masters Rugby League club, please visit Masters RL (rugby-league.com).