
GROVE RFC MINIS RUGBY FESTIVAL 2026
Sunday 4 October 2026 | Grove Recreation Ground, Wantage, Oxfordshire
Grove RFC is looking forward to welcoming more than 140 teams to the Grove RFC Minis Rugby Festival on Sunday 4 October 2026.
With teams travelling to Grove from across the region, we’ve put together everything visiting coaches, players and parents need to know ahead of the day – including fixtures, tickets, parking, arrival times, pitch locations, food and facilities.
There is no parking at the Grove RFC Clubhouse Car Park - Please see parking details below
FESTIVAL FIXTURES
The live festival fixtures are available through Tournify and can be checked before and throughout the day.
VIEW THE LIVE FESTIVAL FIXTURES ON TOURNIFY
WHEN ARE THE DIFFERENT AGE GROUPS PLAYING?
The festival is split into a morning and afternoon session.
MORNING – U7, U8 AND U11
AFTERNOON – U9, U10, U12 AND U12 GIRLS
The clubhouse will be open throughout the day, with the bar open from 10:00am. There will also be a range of food outlets and activities for families.
FESTIVAL TICKETS
Entry is prepaid, so we ask parents and supporters to purchase their entry in advance where possible.
Festival entry: £5 per adult or £10 per car/family.
BUY GROVE RFC FESTIVAL TICKETS
IMPORTANT: THERE IS NO PARKING AT GROVE RFC
There will be no general parking at the Grove RFC club car park on festival day.
Parking arrangements are different for the morning and afternoon sessions.
MORNING PARKING – U7, U8 AND U11
Wasborough Fields, Grove, OX12 0AE
What3words: ///lunch.butternut.sleeper
AFTERNOON PARKING – U9, U10, U12 AND U12 GIRLS
Mably Way, Wantage, OX12 9BN
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OVERFLOW PARKING
Downsview Road, OX12 0BP, is available for overflow parking.
Please follow the directions of our parking marshals and use the designated pedestrian routes to the club.
There is no parking at the club itself other than for a blue-badge disabled vehicle.
Coaches will be issued with one parking permit per team.
Please do not park on Bereton Drive, Cane Lane or Recreation Lane, and do not park in areas that have been coned or taped off.
If you require priority parking because of a disability, please contact the festival organisers in advance.
WHERE IS GROVE RFC?
Grove RFC
The Recreation Ground
Recreation Lane
Grove
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 0FL
What3words: ///garden.vineyard.giraffes
FESTIVAL MAPS
Separate morning and afternoon maps show the location of each age group, parking areas, gazebos, food stalls, toilets, first aid and the clubhouse.
Please check the festival maps when planning your arrival and look for the signs and directions from our marshals on the day.


WHAT WILL BE HAPPENING AT THE FESTIVAL?
There will be plenty to keep players, parents and supporters entertained between games, including:
Food and drink options will include a range of independent food vendors, with pizza, burritos, samosas, burgers, ice cream and coffee available during the day.
INFORMATION FOR COACHES
All matches will operate under the RFU Age Grade Rules for the 2026/27 season.
Teams should arrive prepared to play and be ready for their fixtures.
Teams are asked to provide a suitable referee/game manager, with teams also providing someone to act as touch judge for each game.
MATCH FORMATS
There will normally be a five-minute changeover between matches, although games may start earlier where a pitch is available and both teams are ready.
All players will receive a festival medal for their participation.
PLEASE ARRIVE READY TO PLAY
Changing facilities at the club are extremely limited, so visiting teams are asked to arrive ready to play.
There is plenty of space around the grounds for team gazebos, although teams should be considerate of other groups when choosing where to set up.
Please also come prepared for the weather, whether that means rain or sunshine.
FIRST AID AND SAFETY
First aid will be available from the centrally located first aid tent, supported by Revolution Sports Injury Clinic and EM Response.
Spectators are asked to remain well back from the edges of the playing pitches and to follow the instructions of referees, stewards and festival officials.
For emergencies on the day, please contact the festival team via Leanne Wade – 07969 474045.
DOGS
Grove Recreation Ground is a public space, but we would encourage visitors not to bring dogs where possible.
If you do bring a dog, it must remain on a lead and must not be taken onto any of the playing pitches.
Dog waste bags are available from the control tent.
A DAY OF RUGBY AT GROVE RFC
The Grove RFC Minis Festival is about bringing young players, clubs and families together for a great day of rugby.
With more than 140 teams taking part across U7, U8, U9, U10, U11, U12 and U12 Girls, we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Recreation Ground on Sunday 4 October.
Please plan your journey in advance, check your fixtures on Tournify and, most importantly, enjoy the day.
USEFUL LINKS
Check the live festival fixtures
Grove RFC
Recreation Lane
Grove
Wantage
Oxfordshire
OX12 0FL