The three local rugby clubs from the Foundation’s Club Connexion programme take centre stage as Pat Lam’s men return to Premiership action on Easter Sunday at 3pm.

Club Connexion is our local club partnership offer which supports the community clubs with coach education workshops, player development camps and many other benefits.

All 30 local rugby clubs will enjoy a featured Bristol Bears home game at Ashton Gate throughout the 2024/25 season as part of the Club Connexion programme and you can find out more about Avonmouth, Bristol Saracens and Chipping Sodbury below.

AVONMOUTH OLD BOYS RFC

Avonmouth Old Boys RFC is one of the oldest clubs in Bristol and boasts a long and proud sporting history within the local community since being founded in 1897 by local school master W Powell, originally on the banks of the River Severn.

Wayne Donnelly, from Avonmouth Old Boys RFC, said: “We are a grassroots club with a great history with our local community and rugby family members at the centre of it.

“Through the Club Connexion programme, we feel we can reach more of the community to instil rugby core values and how this can be transferred it to life skills for the future. We are all really looking forward to supporting the Bears against Leicester Tigers and our club members are also going to enjoy the social side of the game.

“We wanted to be involved with the Club Connexion programme as we feel it will inspire, network, grow the game and spread the word that rugby is a great team sport. I feel it adds value to the community game and shows that there is a place for everyone.”

BRISTOL SARACENS

One of the oldest clubs in the city, Bristol Saracens RFC has an ever growing mini and Junior section which is the biggest it has been since the club was founded.

Andrew Sallabank, from Bristol Saracens said: “We wanted exactly what Connexion is set up for, to have a close connection to Bears. We want our players not just to play rugby, but to love rugby. Part of that is watching games and taking in the atmosphere.

“We are really excited to be part of the matchday against Leicester Tigers and see the kids being flag bearers and wearing their Saracens kit on the Ashton Gate pitch.”

On the benefits of the Club Connexion programme, he added: “The coaches training from the Bristol Bears Community Foundation has been excellent. Also gives coaches a chance to interact and link up. Also days like this will benefit and promote the club.

“The Foundation’s support has been great. My aim for Saracens was to link up with local schools and link up with Bears. The Foundation has made this easier and it’s also giving our Star* kids a chance to join training camps which has been very beneficial.”

CHIPPING SOBURY RFC

Chipping Sodbury RFC was founded in 1949 and has since grown strong within the local community, offering both men’s and women’s rugby teams as well as a thriving youth section to promote the sport and fitness amongst the younger generations.

Jess Williams, from Chipping Sodbury RFC, said: “We are celebrating 75 years of our rugby club this year and we are proud to have two men’s teams, women’s team, touch rugby team and youth teams for both boys and girls from age 2 to 18 years old.

“We pride ourselves on welcoming both children and adults of all abilities and experience levels to embrace our rugby community both on and off the pitch.”

On the Club Connexion programme, she added: “We heard about all the exciting things Club Connexions had to offer last season from other local clubs and couldn’t wait to be involved. Our coaches were excited be involved in coaches development courses and the children are excited for flag bearing and the player development camps.

“The Club connexion programme has already offered us invaluable coaches development opportunities, lots of opportunities for our families to attend games they may not have otherwise been able to afford which is fantastic for our youth players! The children are looking forward to being involved in player development camps and the support from Jake and other members of the team has been second to none.”

The post Club Connexion: Avonmouth, Bristol Saracens & Chipping Sodbury appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The team of runners took to the streets of the French capital in support of the vital work of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Bristol City Robins Foundation, and Bristol Flyers Community.

The three Bristol Sport Group charities have One Goal: to tackle the deep-rooted inequalities faced by children, young people and their communities across our city.

By fundraising for the Bristol Sport Charities, the runners helped raise awareness and support for programmes that:

• Improve education outcomes
• Build confidence and resilience
• Support physical and mental health
• Give young people the chance to lead happy, healthy lives

Every stride taken through the streets of Paris helps us build a brighter future through the power of sport.

Among those taking part were runners from Shared Duty partners, including Snap Fitness Ashton Gate and team members from the Bristol Bears Community Foundation – proudly demonstrating the collaborative spirit that drives this city forward.

Jamie Skinner, CEO of the Bristol Bears Community Foundation, took on the Paris Marathon alongside former Bristol Bears player and ambassador Nick Fenton-Wells. Jamie crossed the finish line in 3:56:42 while Nick completed the course in 3:44.14 as the duo raised more than £1,500 for the Bristol Sport Group charities between them.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run on behalf of the Bristol Sport Group charities,” said Jamie. “It was a brilliant experience, and I’m proud to have helped raise vital funds that will enable us to continue our work in the community and reach those who need our support the most. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated. You not only supported our mission but also helped me cross the finish line.”

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The post Paris Marathon runners raise thousands for Foundations appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

Sprague Gibbons has been involved with Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s flagship fundraising event since its inception in 2010 while Global Vans will be supporting the annual charity cycling ride for the first time this year.

Urban Creation, Indigo Food Group, Knee Specialist, Aspire, Plantforce, Molson, Alistair Currie Events, Alder Kings, Fulcrum Dilligence, MJ Church, The Bike Shed, Hargreaves Lansdown, BW Cycling, Bike Shed Café, Nando’s and Bristol Beer Factory have also been confirmed as sponsors for this year and will feature on the official jersey.

Taking place on Sunday June 29th, Break The Cycle offers everyone from beginners to experienced riders the choice of three routes – Gold Route (100km), Silver Route (66km) and Bronze Route (33km) – starting and finishing at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Jamie Skinner, Bristol Bears Community Foundation CEO, said: “We are delighted to announce our Headline Sponsors for Break The Cycle 2025. Their commitment to supporting this flagship event is instrumental in enabling the Foundation to continue its vital work within the community. Break The Cycle represents not only a significant fundraising initiative, but also a shared commitment to creating lasting, positive change in our community and we are incredibly grateful for their belief in our mission.”

We have set a fundraising goal of £20,000 for this year’s event to enable us to continue supporting young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

Data shows in Bristol that NEET rates are higher than the national average with those experiencing detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, and increased likelihood of unemployment, low wages or low-quality work later on in life.

The funds raised by Break The Cycle will be used by Bristol Bears Community Foundation to deliver a year-long programme working with 20 young people to gain English and maths qualifications and work experience at local businesses.

Peter Gibbons, Managing Director of Sprague Gibbons and Co-Founder of Break The Cycle, said: “I’m enormously proud that Sprague Gibbons will again be joint headline sponsors of Break The Cycle, this year with our friends at Global Vans. A heartfelt thanks go to all the sponsors who have supported this event over the years, those who continue to support every year, and those who are new this year, without whom this event wouldn’t happen. Since the start of Break The Cycle, we’ve helped raise over £450k for the charity and we can’t wait for this year to be another success story.
 
Andrew Hurst, CEO at Global Vans, said: “Global Vans are very proud to be involved with Break the Cycle, we love the work that is being done by the Bristol Bears Community Foundation and the inspiring positive impact on the community.”

Riders who sign up are fully supported along the route with mechanical and medical support, as well as refreshments and lunch stops, with everyone who takes part receiving a complimentary Nando’s and a pint from Bristol Beer Factory.

The post Headline sponsors announced for Break The Cycle 2025 appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The community festival saw youngsters from primary and secondary schools enjoy an action-packed day as part of the club’s strategic partnership with CLF, which is aimed at growing rugby in the region, identifying talent and attracting new supporters.

Supported by Bristol Bears Community Foundation coaches, the event included a visit from Bears stars Ellis Genge, Gabriel Ibitoye, Steele Barker, Meg Varley and Jess Sprague as they took part in a Q&A and signing session with the youngsters.

Genge said: “The impact that it has just someone coming in who they can say, ‘he plays for England’ or ‘he plays for Bristol’, their faces light up and the questions they start asking about ‘how can I get involved in rugby?’ I think that speaks volumes about what we can do in terms of having an impact on the rugby players of the future.

“You can feel it when kids come from the same upbringing as you as they’ve got that steel about them and you can see that they have a few things going on, and this is their escape. You can see that in the way they operate and the way they behave. I was the same growing up so just being here and seeing the impact we have is payment enough.

“I’d like to think we’re having an impact on the players of the future here. They seem to be enjoying themselves and if I can get kids from Knowle West, Hartcliffe, Withywood, Easton, St Pauls, Fishponds, Horfield playing rugby then I think that’s a success.”

CLF is a family of 35 schools across Bristol, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and Somerset, supporting 18,000 children and young people aged 2 to 19 in the region from a wide range of backgrounds and demographics.

CLF Partnerships Manager, Andrew Bell, said: “It’s been an amazing opportunity for children and young people from not only our trust, but from other schools across Bristol. I think it’s really important that when we are able to provide opportunities like this, that we bring others along with us, I think it’s really good for the city.

“Seeing our children and young people’s faces when they walked into the building was a win and just for them to be able to run about and have fun together has just been so great to watch. Having guys like Ellis and Gabs along is just outstanding.

“For the children and young people we are supporting, seeing these professional athletes and having these role models available to them is just really impactful. Whether they actually go on to be professional athletes or rugby players is ultimately irrelevant, what we just need is for them to see people like Genge being successful because then our young people can do similar in the things they are good at.”

The post Over 200 children inspired by CLF festival at Bears HPC appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The involvement of Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and the Flyers Community will enhance sports delivery within new, state-of-the-art facilities.

224 Youth Zone, located close to the roundabout connecting Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, is due to be ready in Spring 2026, will offer more than 20 different activities, including football, rugby, basketball, boxing and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

This strategic partnership brings together three of Bristol’s leading sports foundations, uniting their expertise, resources, and passion for inspiring young people through sport. The collaboration will not only deliver high-quality sporting opportunities within the new 224 Youth Zone but also extend into the broader community, ensuring that more young people can access and benefit from physical activity, regardless of their background or ability.

The full structure of the partnership will be finalised in due course but all four organisations have made a strong commitment to working together to achieve shared goals that will support young people to participate in sport and activity.

Sarah Mortiboys, CEO of Bristol Sport Foundation and speaking on behalf of all the Bristol Sport Group foundations, said: “As a collective, we are proud to be partnering with Youth Moves to build a brilliant collaboration which will inspire the next generation to participate in sport and physical activity. We believe that every young person has the right to be the best that they can be, and that sport has the power to unlock transformational learning enabling the building blocks for success.”

Matt Justice, CEO of Youth Moves, said: “This partnership is a game-changer and will support us to reach more young people across the city. By working together with Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and Flyers Community, we can create more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity, develop new skills, and be part of something bigger. Sport and physical activity has the power to transform lives, and this partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to making that a reality for young people in our community.”

224 Youth Zone will be a transformative space for young people in South Bristol, offering cutting edge facilities, programs, and support. The inclusion of this sports partnership reinforces the Youth Zone’s mission to provide world class opportunities for young people to thrive, stay active, and build positive futures.

More details on the partnership and its initiatives will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, all organisations remain committed to working closely together to shape an inclusive and impactful sporting offer for young people in South Bristol.

About Youth Moves & 224 Youth Zone

224 Youth Zone is more than just a youth centre, it will be a place where young people aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs can discover their passions and unlock their potential. Our state-of-the-art facilities will offer over 20 different activities, from sports like football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

224 Youth Zone is part of OnSide’s national network of Youth Zones and will become the new home of award-winning south Bristol youth work charity, Youth Moves. It is designed to be a vibrant, energetic hub where young people can engage in meaningful activities. From learning new skills to making lifelong friends, this is a place where everyone belongs, and everyone is given the chance to shine.

Bristol Sport Group’s foundations are partnering with 224 Youth Zone to drive wider community engagement and participation in physical activity and sport across South Bristol.

The involvement of Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and the Flyers Community will enhance sports delivery within new, state-of-the-art facilities.

224 Youth Zone, located close to the roundabout connecting Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, is due to be ready in Spring 2026, will offer more than 20 different activities, from football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

This strategic partnership brings together three of Bristol’s leading sports foundations, uniting their expertise, resources, and passion for inspiring young people through sport. The collaboration will not only deliver high-quality sporting opportunities within the new 224 Youth Zone but also extend into the broader community, ensuring that more young people can access and benefit from physical activity, regardless of their background or ability.

The full structure of the partnership will be finalised in due course but all four organisations have made a strong commitment to working together to achieve shared goals that will support young people to participate in sport and activity.

Sarah Mortiboys, CEO of Bristol Sport Foundation and speaking on behalf of all the Bristol Sport Group foundations, said: “As a collective, we are proud to be partnering with Youth Moves to build a brilliant collaboration which will inspire the next generation to participate in sport and physical activity. We believe that every young person has the right to be the best that they can be, and that sport has the power to unlock transformational learning enabling the building blocks for success.”

Matt Justice, CEO of Youth Moves, said: “This partnership is a game-changer and will support us to reach more young people across the city. By working together with Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and Flyers Community, we can create more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity, develop new skills, and be part of something bigger. Sport and physical activity has the power to transform lives, and this partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to making that a reality for young people in our community.”

224 Youth Zone will be a transformative space for young people in South Bristol, offering cutting edge facilities, programs, and support. The inclusion of this sports partnership reinforces the Youth Zone’s mission to provide world class opportunities for young people to thrive, stay active, and build positive futures.

More details on the partnership and its initiatives will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, all organisations remain committed to working closely together to shape an inclusive and impactful sporting offer for young people in South Bristol.

About Youth Moves & 224 Youth Zone

224 Youth Zone is more than just a youth centre, it will be a place where young people aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs can discover their passions and unlock their potential. Our state-of-the-art facilities will offer over 20 different activities, from sports like football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

224 Youth Zone is part of OnSide’s national network of Youth Zones and will become the new home of award-winning south Bristol youth work charity, Youth Moves. It is designed to be a vibrant, energetic hub where young people can engage in meaningful activities. From learning new skills to making lifelong friends, this is a place where everyone belongs, and everyone is given the chance to shine.

Bristol Sport Group’s foundations are partnering with 224 Youth Zone to drive wider community engagement and participation in physical activity and sport across South Bristol.

The involvement of Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and the Flyers Community will enhance sports delivery within new, state-of-the-art facilities.

224 Youth Zone, located close to the roundabout connecting Hartcliffe Way and Hengrove Way, is due to be ready in Spring 2026, will offer more than 20 different activities, from football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

This strategic partnership brings together three of Bristol’s leading sports foundations, uniting their expertise, resources, and passion for inspiring young people through sport. The collaboration will not only deliver high-quality sporting opportunities within the new 224 Youth Zone but also extend into the broader community, ensuring that more young people can access and benefit from physical activity, regardless of their background or ability.

The full structure of the partnership will be finalised in due course but all four organisations have made a strong commitment to working together to achieve shared goals that will support young people to participate in sport and activity.

Sarah Mortiboys, CEO of Bristol Sport Foundation and speaking on behalf of all the Bristol Sport Group foundations, said: “As a collective, we are proud to be partnering with Youth Moves to build a brilliant collaboration which will inspire the next generation to participate in sport and physical activity. We believe that every young person has the right to be the best that they can be, and that sport has the power to unlock transformational learning enabling the building blocks for success.”

Matt Justice, CEO of Youth Moves, said: “This partnership is a game-changer and will support us to reach more young people across the city. By working together with Bristol Bears Community Foundation, Robins Foundation, Bristol Sport Foundation and Flyers Community, we can create more opportunities for young people to engage in physical activity, develop new skills, and be part of something bigger. Sport and physical activity has the power to transform lives, and this partnership is a testament to our shared commitment to making that a reality for young people in our community.”

224 Youth Zone will be a transformative space for young people in South Bristol, offering cutting edge facilities, programs, and support. The inclusion of this sports partnership reinforces the Youth Zone’s mission to provide world class opportunities for young people to thrive, stay active, and build positive futures.

More details on the partnership and its initiatives will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, all organisations remain committed to working closely together to shape an inclusive and impactful sporting offer for young people in South Bristol.

About Youth Moves & 224 Youth Zone

224 Youth Zone is more than just a youth centre, it will be a place where young people aged between eight and 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs can discover their passions and unlock their potential. Our state-of-the-art facilities will offer over 20 different activities, from sports like football, boxing, and climbing to creative arts, music, drama, and even employability training.

224 Youth Zone is part of OnSide’s national network of Youth Zones and will become the new home of award-winning south Bristol youth work charity, Youth Moves. It is designed to be a vibrant, energetic hub where young people can engage in meaningful activities. From learning new skills to making lifelong friends, this is a place where everyone belongs, and everyone is given the chance to shine.

The post Bears Community Foundation partner with 224 Youth Zone   appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The annual grassroots rugby event, hosted by Bristol Bears Community Foundation, attracted 32 teams and more than 550 young players from across the region for a competitive tournament.

Bristol Bears first team players Max Lahiff, Benhard Janse van Rensburg and Sam Worsley attended the festival, which is part of Premiership Rugby’s national grassroots rugby programme supported by Defender and delivered by the shareholder clubs.

The events are designed to provide aspiring young players with the chance to play competitive fixtures in a format to aid their development, all within the spirit of rugby’s core values of teamwork, respect, enjoyment, discipline, and sportsmanship. 

Each U11 and U12 team that entered the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup had the chance to win an exclusive trip to the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final at Allianz Stadium, with Clevedon U11s and Cleve U12s set to represent Bristol Bears in May.

Jake Ellis, Community Rugby Manager at Bristol Bears Community Foundation, said: “The Defender Premiership Rugby Cup once again delivered a fantastic showcase of Community Rugby in our region. With 32 teams participating, the event provided a positive festival experience, emphasising Rugby Union’s core values throughout.”

Defender has a proud heritage in supporting rugby at all levels in the UK, with its support for grassroots rugby typified through the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup.

Vital in fostering the values at the heart of the game, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup is a key part of the grassroots rugby calendar each season.

Since the tournaments inception in 2008, the Defender Premiership Rugby Cup has helped over 100,000 youngsters discover rugby through the annual rugby events, with some realising their dreams of going on to play for Premiership Rugby clubs.

See the full gallery from the festival below.

The post Hundreds enjoy Defender Premiership Rugby Cup appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The annual matchday showcased the club’s award-winning charity with an afternoon of programme demonstrations, activities and games before Bears turned on the style to defeat Exeter Chiefs 52-38 as more than 20,000 supporters packed Ashton Gate.

Everyone who purchased a ticket for the fixture helped support the Foundation, with the club donating £1 from every ticket sold towards the charity, while further fundraising on the matchday ensured Community Day was a huge success both on and off the pitch.

Community Day was focused on supporting the Foundation’s Bright Sparks programme, which is aimed at improving access to sports, education, and wellbeing for some of the most disaffected young people in the most deprived areas of our city.

Bright Sparks harnesses the Bears brand and the power of sport to work with young people with challenging behaviour in local secondary schools, providing the tools to those who struggle in a traditional classroom setting to reach their potential.

Jamie Skinner, Bristol Bears Community Foundation CEO, said: “We are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make Community Day such an overwhelming success. A special thank you to the club for the generous £1 donation from every ticket sold, which confirms its commitment to its work in the community through the Foundation.

“The funds raised by the matchday will enable us to continue our vital work through Bright Sparks and to deliver a year-long intervention programme working across 10 secondary schools, targeting 15 boys per school who need our support the most. We couldn’t do this without the fantastic support from the club and our community.”

Tom Tainton, Bristol Bears Chief Operating Officer, added: “The success of this year’s Community Day is a testament to the amazing generosity of our supporters, and we are incredibly proud to play our part in helping the Foundation continue its fantastic work. The relationship between the club and Foundation is stronger than ever. We are excited about how we can continue to work together to positively impact the lives of the people in our city.”

Through the Bright Sparks programme, Community Foundation staff provide a different kind of support for young people, helping them to form positive relationships with their peers, teachers and families, through the power of education and rugby.

The programme engaged 180 boys in secondary education last year with 92% saying Bright Sparks enabled them to improve their attendance, punctuality and behaviour.

Thank you for supporting the work of Bristol Bears Community Foundation! Click here to find out more about the work of the club’s official charity in Greater Bristol.

The post Community Day raises over £16,000 for Foundation appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The first of two preliminary rounds saw businesses from across the region compete for a place in the Corporate Tag Rugby Tournament Finals at Ashton Gate Stadium.

Supported by Morgan Lovell, the annual Corporate Tag Rugby Tournament helps raise funds to support the life-changing work of the Foundation’s community programmes.

CBRE, Workman, PureComms, Origin Workspace, Ridge, Hollis, Morgan Lovell, Thrings and Albert Goodman took part in the first preliminary round of the tournament, with only the top six teams making it through to the Finals.

After an action-packed group stage and highly-competitive placing finals, CBRE took top spot on the day with Workman in second and PureComms in third. Origin Workplace, Ridge and Hollis claimed the remaining spaces in the final.

The Bristol Body Repair Clinic also brought their wealth of experience in physiotherapy and massage services to the event, providing support to all our teams on the day.

Jamie Skinner, Bristol Bears Community Foundation CEO, said: “It was fantastic to see so many businesses from across Bristol come together for a great day of competitive tag rugby, all in support of the vital work we do at Bristol Bears Community Foundation.

“We would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you Morgan Lovell for their continued support of this event and to the companies who took part. The money raised will enable us to continue delivering our life-changing work within the community.”

Following the conclusion of the action on the pitch, all the teams who took part in the opening event of the tournament enjoyed complimentary food, drinks and networking.

Ten more teams will compete for the chance to reach the Finals in the second tournament of the series at Lockleaze Sport Centre on Thursday, April 24^th.

Sulli Gardener, Business Development Manager at Morgan Lovell, said: “This is the sixth year I’ve been involved and it’s just about getting some of the best businesses in Bristol together to raise as much money as possible for the Community Foundation.

“It’s really important for us to support the Foundation. We work all over the south and in each region we support as many charities as possible so in the south west we support the Bristol Bears Community Foundation as our charity of choice because the work they do in the local community is really commendable. We are proud to support them.”

See the full gallery from the event below.

The post Tag Rugby Tournament Series kicks off at Lockleaze appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

The post Gallery: Community Day appeared first on Bristol Bears Rugby.

We’ll be shining a spotlight on our award-winning Foundation, which delivers a wide range of targeted programmes to more than 5,000 people every year in Greater Bristol, with a bumper afternoon of demos, activities and fundraising in Bear Country.

Everyone who purchases a ticket for the fixture will be supporting the Foundation, with £1 from every ticket sold going towards the charity’s life-changing work, with supporters able to learn more about how the money will be making a difference on the matchday.

TICKET INFORMATION

The Ticket Office by the Atyeo Statue will be open from 12pm-5.45pm.

This fixture IS included in your 2024/25 Bristol Bears Season Ticket. Season Ticket holders can gain entry to Ashton Gate Stadium on matchdays using a Digital Season Ticket so please make sure you’re prepared before arriving at the stadium.

Remember to download your Digital Season Ticket before arriving to the stadium and have it ready to scan before you reach the turnstiles to speed up the entry process.

Please note, iPhone users should follow the below steps if your Digital Season Ticket has disappeared from your Apple Wallet or is showing the incorrect game.

MATCHDAY RUNNING ORDER

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION ACTIVITIES

Supporters will be able to learn more about how the Bristol Bears Community Foundation makes a difference in our community with a skill session demonstration, activities and insight into the programmes from coaches and participants.

UNDER-9 TAG RUGBY FESTIVAL

It all begins with the Foundation’s Club Connexion U9s Tag Rugby Festival on the Ashton Gate pitch from 1pm-3pm featuring 18 local teams from across Greater Bristol.

BEAR SKILLS SESSIONS

The Foundation coaches will be running two Bear Skills taster sessions in the Dolman Stand concourse for children aged 8-14 on a first come, first served basis from 3.40pm-4.30pm.

Each session is open to up to 15 children and will last for 20 minutes. Session 1 will run from 3.40pm-4pm before Session 2 takes place from 4.10pm-4.30pm. Come along for rugby fun and to find out more about the programmes run by the Foundation.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GAMES

You can also find the Community Foundation team running numerous games from when the turnstiles open at 3.30pm, including Higher or Lower and Try Challenge.

FOUNDATION PROGRAMME PARTICIPANTS

Look out for our Foundation programme participants who will be getting involved in the matchday activities as part of our Community Day celebrations in Bear Country.

Bear In Mind participant Amelia from Abbeywood Community School will read out the teams. Bear in Mind is aimed at equipping girls in secondary education with the tools to cope with the wider issues faced by young women across modern society today.

Bright Sparks pupil Tommy will be running out with the Bears team. Bright Sparks harnesses the Bears brand to work with young people in local secondary schools, providing the tools to those who struggle in a traditional classroom setting.

BEARS DEN Q&A IN WITH FOUNDATION

Bristol Bears player Noah Heward and Bristol Bears Community Foundation Head of Projects and Development Ollie Morton will join Downsy for another live Q&A session with supporters on the Bears Den stage in the South Stand concourse.

They will be talking about the Foundation’s work as part of Community Day as well as answering supporters’ questions approximately 4.45pm (subject to change).

SENSORY SAFE SPACE

Bristol Bears Community Foundation helps make rugby accessible for neurodiverse fans with our Sensory Safe Space at Ashton Gate on Bristol Bears matchdays.

The Sensory Safe Space, which was first launched by the Foundation in 2023, enhances the matchday experience for neurodivergent fans and those with sensory sensitivities by providing a room away from the main action before, during and after the game.

It creates an inclusive environment for supporters who may find the typical matchday atmosphere overwhelming due to the loud noises, bright lights and large crowds.

Equipped with bean bags, low level lighting and sensory toys, the quiet and calming space allows our fans to enjoy the matchday atmosphere at their own pace.

For supporters who wish to request to use the Sensory Safe Space for future games where it is in operation, please contact jlovatt@bristolbearsrugby.com.

THE RUGBY MARCH FOR ST PETER’S HOSPICE

St Peter’s Hospice’s popular Rugby March event is back for Community Day as hundreds of participants embark on a 5k or 10k walk ahead of kick-off.

The charity walkers will take in some of Bristol’s most iconic sights and landmarks to support the work of St Peter’s Hospice before ending up at Ashton Gate in time to take their seats for the derby showdown in the Gallagher Premiership (5.30pm KO).

With over 500 people taking part in last year’s event, the Rugby March is expected to draw the crowds once again to raise vital funds for Bristol’s only adult hospice.

To find out more about this event visit The Rugby March – St Peter’s Hospice.

SUPPORTER MEET-UP POINT

Following supporter feedback, we have now introduced a meeting point for those who attend Bears games by themselves to catch up with other supporters.

The meeting point is located in front of the Bears Den stage in the South Stand concourse at 4.40pm (5 mins before the Bears Den Q&A begins).

NEW DRAFT TOP BAR

Ashton Gate has become the first sports stadium in Europe to install a Draft Top Bar so Bears fans can drink their favourite beer or cider from a topless can.

Effective from this Saturday’s match against Exeter Chiefs, the Draft Top bar in the Dolman Stand concourse will sell seven different products from Bristol Beer Factory.

HISTORY-MAKING TMO TRIAL

History will be made at the Bristol Bears versus Exeter Chiefs’ derby with key refereeing decisions broadcast over the stadium PA system.

The trial will continue at select fixtures during The Run-In and will be in place for the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Final 2025 at Allianz Stadium on Saturday, June 14.

Tom Tainton, Chief Operating Officer at Bristol Bears, said: “We’re pleased to be chosen for the trial at Ashton Gate for our fixture versus Exeter Chiefs. One of our key objectives is to make the game accessible to new supporters and this innovation will not only add to the matchday experience, but help to inform and educate fans in the stadium.”

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE FOUNDATION

Bears supporters are able to support Bristol Bears Community Foundation by donating to help fund the life-changing work of club’s award-winning official charity. Fans can text ‘5BEARS’ to 70460 to donate £5 to the Foundation.

All donations will support the Foundation to continue delivering its impactful programmes to thousands of people of all ages across the region every year.

Guests in hospitality will be able to enter a silent auction to win a range of signed Bears memorabilia and exclusive prizes, with all the funds donated to the Foundation.

BEARS LOTTO

Sign up to play Bears Lotto for your chance to win a £10,000 jackpot or money-can’t-buy prizes while supporting the Bristol Bears Community Foundation.

With a monthly draw, entrants have the chance to win the £10,000 jackpot, as well as signed shirts, balls or a tour of the Bears High Performance Centre.

Every time you play you will be contributing directly to the funding the award-winning work of Bristol Bears’ official charity, helping the Foundation deliver programmes that are proven to change the lives of the most disadvantaged people across the region.

For just a £10 monthly rolling entry fee, you could be in with the chance of winning the Your Lottery £10,000 jackpot or 13 monthly prizes from the £1,600 prize pot.

GETTING TO THE GATE

Plan your journey to Bear Country with our handy Getting To The Gate guide.

MATCHDAY BUS

Our matchday shuttle buses will be operating as follows:

• AG1 Portway Park & Ride (via Portway) – approx. every 12 minutes
• AG2 Brislington Park & Ride (direct service) – approx. every 15 minutes
• AG3 Temple Meads (via Broadmead and the centre) – approx. every 20 minutes

All services drop-off and collect from Winterstoke Road, outside Ashton Gate. Full details including route maps, timetables, pricing and ticket information is available at Getting Here – Bristol Bears Rugby. 

IMPORTANT NOTE: Construction work at the Portway Park & Ride means that there will be a change in the loading point for the AG1. The buses will now depart from what3word///gladiators.mild.fault and will be signposted. Journey times may be affected, please factor this into your travel planning.

Please note that the M4 will be closed in both directions between Junction 18 and Junction 19. Fans planning on driving to the match should be aware that a diversion will be in place which will delay journey times. 

Full information on all travel options, including details of the new Bristol’s Clean Air Zone (CAZ) are available at Getting Here – Bristol Bears Rugby.

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Big Day Out will see Bristol Bears take on Bath Rugby at one of the world’s top rugby arenas, Cardiff’s Principality Stadium, for the very first time on Saturday, May 10^th.

To be in with the chance of winning four tickets to Big Day Out, including a pitchside walk and player tunnel experience, all you need to do is visit raffall.com/bristolbearscf and enter the online raffle, with all the funds raised going to the Foundation.

Entry to the raffle costs £5 and you can enter as many times as you like to improve your chances of winning. The winner will be announced on Sunday, April 20th.

The funds raised from raffle will support the Foundation as part of Community Day, the annual matchday in the season for the club to shine a light on its work in the community via the Foundation, which delivers life-changing projects to more than 5,000 people.

FOUNDATION IMPACT

• Bristol Bears Community Foundation supports more than 5,000 people every year across Greater Bristol with a wide range of programmes
• The Foundation’s delivery is organised into four key focus areas: Education & Skills, Health and Wellbeing, Inclusion and Community Rugby
• Delivers 14 community projects working with people as young as 5 in primary schools to 95 with our Older Adults projects in areas of deprivation
• Work in 42 schools across Primary, Secondary and Alternative Schools
• Bright Sparks engaged with 180 boys in secondary schools with 96% saying the project enabled them to improve attendance, punctuality and behaviour
• Foundation works with 187 SEND participants (Special Educational Needs & Disabilities)

The money raised by Community Day will support the Foundation’s Bright Sparks programme, which is aimed at improving access to sports, education, and wellbeing for some of the most disaffected young people in the most deprived areas of our city.

Bright Sparks harnesses the Bears brand and the power of sport to work with young people with challenging behaviour in local secondary schools, providing the tools to those who struggle in a traditional classroom setting to reach their potential.

To find out more about the work of the Foundation, click here.

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The four local rugby clubs from the Foundation’s Club Connexion programme take centre stage on Community Day as for the West Country derby (5.30pm KO).

Club Connexion is our local club partnership offer which supports the community clubs with coach education workshops, player development camps and many other benefits.

All 30 local rugby clubs will enjoy a featured Bristol Bears home game at Ashton Gate throughout the 2024/25 season as part of the Club Connexion programme and you can find out more about Cheddar Valley, Wellington, Whitehall and Yatton RFC below.

CHEDDAR VALLEY

Cheddar Valley RFC is a fully inclusive rugby club that welcomes players of all ages and abilities. From the club’s minis teams to its family-oriented atmosphere, Cheddar Valley pride themselves on creating a supportive and fun environment for everyone.

Hayley Keates-Porter says: “The club wanted to get involved in Club Connexion because, as a smaller club, it provides a fantastic opportunity to offer children new experiences and help them develop their love for rugby. It’s a great platform to create excitement around the sport and encourage more young players to get involved.”

“We’re incredibly excited for our Club Connexion featured game against Exeter Chiefs at Ashton Gate! For many of our young players, this will be their first time attending a live sports game, so it’s a great opportunity to create lasting memories.

“We’re thrilled to share this experience with both our players and their families, and it fills us with pride to have our club featured. It’s a special moment for everyone involved, and we can’t wait to see the excitement it brings to the whole community.”

WHITEHALL

Whitehall is a long-standing Bristol club, founded in 1931 by a teacher at what was then Whitehall School. The club is still embedded in the local community with a membership of senior players and members who have been part of the club since they were kids. 

The club’s minis and junior section has grown massively in the last few years and welcomes players of all abilities throughout the season to be part of Whitehall.

Sarah Pascoe said: “Until recently our Minis and Juniors has been small in number, but we have seen a massive growth in numbers recently and being involved in Club Connexions allows our members to become more involved in the sport, premiership fixtures and other events that Bristol Bears facilitate in the city. 

“It’s an exciting programme for all our members and volunteers to feel part of the wider rugby community. Our U9s are very excited to be on the pitch playing touch rugby before the featured game and we have a lot of new players who have never been flag bearers who also can’t wait to get on the pitch and enjoy the atmosphere.”

YATTON

Yatton RFC aim to make everyone feel welcome. Whether it is hosting the Somerset Cup Final or welcoming touring side, the club offers a warm welcome to everyone.

Dave Tyler, from Yatton RFC, says: “We feel rugby brings huge personal joy to those involved and this has been a focus for our Minis & Junior section for a number of years. We are blessed with brilliant coaches who not only give up their Sundays to train everyone interested in rugby, but we also attend the local primary schools.

“Being a Club Connexion club was very important to us, it has enabled us to benefit from the Bristol Bears Community Foundation’s coaching expertise, as well as giving local kids opportunities they wouldn’t normally have. Our kids are buzzing ahead of our featured game, it’s good to have Premiership rugby back – we’ve missed it!”

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