With persistent rainfall in the week leading up to this much anticipated annual event, Flagge Meadow was ready in all it's muddy glory to welcome our ten teams to the ground, all there to compete for the coveted RGS Worcester Alumni Football trophy.

With the staff team claiming victory in 2022, there was everything to play for this year as our alumni (spanning from the Class of 1988 to the Class of 2022) determinedly fought to be this years worthy winners. 

An interesting array of "kits" took to the pitches; some teams looking cohesive and matching, others sporting a mixture of ensembles, requiring school bibs to bring them together. Clothing aside, what couldn't be denied was that every team was "in it to win it'! 

The first round of games brought some level of surprise to spectators. Perhaps the one person who said "Gosh - they are actually playing proper football over there", wasn't expecting such sporting prowess to be exhibited! There was indeed many an example of superb footballing skill on display and it was clear that the grounding and sportsmanship instilled during schooldays at RGS has stayed with our alumni.

As we headed towards Quarter and then Semi-Finals we had the pleasure of watching a few penalty shootouts which brought good-humoured and well timed banter from the side-lines that could even have distracted Emi Martinez had he been present. 

The final saw Tom Smith's (2003-10) Bob Marley's Wailers playing Sam Chamberlain's (2005-2020) Scrumpy FC. After an entire morning of football you would have expected both teams to be exhibiting signs of weariness, but you would have been mistaken. It was a hotly contested match with some brilliant and skilful attacks and edge of your seat saves. Bob Marley's Wailers took the lead and whilst Scrumpy FC made some sterling attempts to get on even ground again, Tom and his team expertly kept a hold on their advantage and at the final whistle could claim their victory. After three years in the final for this team, holding the trophy held an extra sweetness. 

The entire tournament was expertly run and commentated by Head of Football Gary Leeds, an immensely popular figure with alumni. Also present was Gary's predecessor Paul O'Sullivan another well-loved coach and mentor. Both Gary and Paul were delighted to see so many of their former pupils back at School and to know how much pleasure they all still get from playing football together. A buffet lunch afterwards in the Pavilion gave the perfect opportunity for a post-match catchup. 

Scott MacDonald, Sophie Borrillo-McLellan and Helen Kirk from the Foundation Office so enjoyed meeting all the alumni too at what was an incredibly enjoyable and successful event. Speaking about the tournament, Sophie says, "Meeting alumni and welcoming them back to RGS is one of the greatest privileges for us as an office. To see so many alumni back at Flagge Meadow for this 2023 fixture shows just how fondly RGS and the friendships made here are held, even later in life. The success of this event is a testament to our thriving and engaged alumni community, and the fun we've had today a true reflection of that wonderful RGS spirit. A big thank you to everyone who joined us."