Dalziel Rugby Club marked their 33rd annual Festival of Youth Rugby on Saturday 26th April 2025 – a standout event in the British youth sporting calendar and a lasting tribute to the late Alan Calder, who founded the tournament in 1991.
Over 700 young players descended on Dalziel Park, hailing from across the UK – from local teams like Hamilton, Strathaven, Uddingston, and East Kilbride to travelling sides from Ulster, Sale, and Bowdon. The turnout underlined the growing status of the Lanarkshire festival as a much-prized date on the youth rugby circuit.
Teams battled it out across multiple age groups, with Dalziel enjoying home success in the U14 boys’ and girls’ categories.

Club President John Mathieson said:
“To see Dalziel Park packed with young talent, proud families and passionate volunteers is a true reflection of what our club stands for.
“This is our 101st year as a club – and to mark that with our 33rd festival is something really special. The legacy of Alan Calder continues to inspire and unite people from near and far.”

This year’s main sponsor, MillBurn Construction, received heartfelt thanks from organisers, alongside numerous other generous backers and volunteers.
Festival Coordinator Graham Calder, son of the late Alan, added:
“We simply couldn’t do this without our sponsors, and I want to give particular thanks to MillBurn Construction for their outstanding support.
“Behind the scenes, it’s the effort of dozens of individuals – giving up their time, energy, and resources – that keeps this festival growing from strength to strength.
“My dad believed in creating opportunities for every child, regardless of ability, to fall in love with rugby. That spirit lives on here.”

The event, now firmly embedded in the national rugby calendar, continues to honour Alan Calder’s vision of inclusive, community-driven sport.

2025 WINNERS:

P1 -P3 – winners all!
P4 – Bowdon Tigers
P5 – Hamilton
P6 – Hamilton
P7 – Lanark
U14 Boys – Dalziel
U14 Girls – Dalziel
U15 Boys – Marr
U18 Boys – Biggar