Kingsley School Celebrates the Official Opening of the Grenville Pitch with England Rugby Legend Amy Garnett
Published by Kingsley School, Bideford on Monday 17th of March 2025
Sunday 16th March marked a historic and exciting day at Kingsley Devon, as staff, students, families, and special guests came together to celebrate the official opening of the brand new Grenville Pitch. The much anticipated event was made even more memorable by the presence of England Rugby legend Amy Garnett, who performed the official opening ceremony.
The day began with a BBQ breakfast on the sports field in the glorious sunshine. At 11am, attendees were treated to an engaging Q&A session with Amy Garnett, England’s first female rugby player to earn 100 caps and a true inspiration to young athletes. Amy shared stories from her illustrious career, offering insights and motivation to budding rugby players who were with us for this event. She spoke passionately about the importance of mental health, encouraging students to keep their friends close, to look after one another, and to talk openly about how they’re feeling. Amy also shared how sport has played a crucial role in her own wellbeing, helping her through more challenging times and teaching her the value of teamwork and resilience. She encouraged the young athletes to train hard, never give up, and most importantly, try to get involved in a wide range of sports from a young age.
Then, for fun, we had a Crossbar Challenge with pupils, staff, and guests joining in the fun and showcasing their kicking skills. At 11:45am, Amy Garnett officially declared the Grenville Pitch open, marking a new era of sport at Kingsley School and indeed for community sport in North Devon.
The celebrations concluded with an exhibition rugby match between Bideford RFC U14 Girls and Launceston, demonstrating the incredible talent and sportsmanship of the young players. The crowd was treated to an exciting and competitive game, highlighting the importance of the new pitch in fostering opportunities for girls’ rugby in this area.
In addition to enhancing Kingsley’s sports provision, the Grenville Pitch is now a thriving hub for local grassroots sport. The facility provides a professional training space for local sports clubs, including Romar and Bideford Rugby Club, enabling more than 400 children from across North Devon to participate in grassroots sports activities each week. Whether it’s rugby training, football matches, or multisports events, the pitch is set to play a pivotal role in supporting young athletes and strengthening community engagement.
Headmaster at Kingsley School, Mr Pavis commented, “The opening of the Grenville Pitch is a proud milestone for our school and the wider community. We are committed to providing outstanding facilities that not only enhance the experience for our students but also create opportunities for young people across North Devon to take part in sport. We are deeply honoured to have Amy Garnett with us to celebrate this special day.”
The Grenville Pitch represents Kingsley School’s ongoing dedication to promoting health, wellbeing, and teamwork through sport, and its legacy will be felt far beyond the school gates.
