THIRTY members of the Aireborough RUFC U16’s team and their families dressed up as a bunch of ‘Wallies’ and took on a half marathon ‘Wally Walk’.

They set off from Royal Armouries in Leeds on Saturday, September 7 to walk back to their headquarters at Nunroyd Park to raise funds for their 2025 tour to Palma, Italy.

Unlike Where’s Wally, these ‘Wallies’ could be easily seen and were cheered along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal by family and friends to raise much needed funds for their tour of a lifetime.

Car support teams met up with water and snacks kindly supplied by Tanning Salon 1905 in Menston to keep the participates going. The walk was designed not only to challenge the young players, but also to inspire them to support and push each other on a task that may seem easy on paper, but presented them with many challenges along the way.

Head Coach, Rob Rattray said: “As a coaching team, we have always believed that Rugby Union can provide a great deal of opportunities to young players, both on and off the pitch. We have had a number of families join us over the last season because we look to grow the player and the person and our tour to Italy will certainly provide us with an opportunity to celebrate this.”

All the boys completed the challenge within four and a half hours and really pushed themselves and each other to reach their goal and the finish line.

If any local businesses would be interested in providing sponsorship for the Italy 2025 tour, Rob and his team would be delighted to hear from you at rob@synoeducation.co.uk