The older you get, the quicker time passes by, they say. That’s so true and I still can’t believe that Hartpury Sevens goes into it’s fifth year already this week.
Thinking back to the early years, when a couple of unexperienced 7s event organisers came together to setup a 7s tournament in just three months! In comparison, nowadays we plan at least one year ahead. But, despite being a bit naive we somehow managed to put on a good show.
12 men’s, four women’s teams, a few referees and a group of supporters came together in 2014 to launch a brand-new 7s event on a busy circuit. It was all a bit smaller than these days, with hardly any budget, but it was the start of a wonderful tournament, which always demanded to be the “ideal” competition for the players.
Rather than putting the money and efforts towards the party and big entertainment, Hartpury Sevens has always been an event where players and teams are the focus. By providing best possible playing facilities, referees, sports therapists, smooth schedules, prize money and trophies all in return for a reasonable low entry fee, we are hoping to offer the best possible environment to play 7s.
We are delighted that the tournament has developed nicely over the years and with the invaluable support from Hartpury College, particularly sports academy manager Alan Powderhill, it wouldn’t be possible to get such an event up and running each year.
Since 2016, we are honoured to be a host of the Secure Trading Sevens Series. A concept, which we have followed closely from the beginning and in my opinion something that’s needed to push the Olympic sport of 7s, to turn the game into a proper grass roots one, rather than just an elitist circle.
Let’s be honest, the Series is still in it’s early days, and it will take a few more years to proper take off. But if we and the other hard-working tournament organiser stick together this is, without a doubt, one for the future.
This Saturday, we are celebrating the sixth anniversary of Hartpury Sevens. We will welcome 22 teams from several nations and hundreds of visitors, the forecast predicts warm and dry weather. It’s fair to say that the excitement is building.
