On Friday 2nd May, Bracknell Rugby Club’s U18s Academy signed off the 2024/25 season with a spectacular evening under the Friday Night Lights. although the weather was so glorious, the floodlights weren’t needed.
This annual end of a journey event has become a cherished tradition at Bracknell, marking a fitting farewell for our U18s, while giving next year’s Academy prospects from the current U16s and U17s a taste of the journey ahead.

Over recent months, Friday Night Lights events have become a staple at Lily Hill Park, offering not just high-quality rugby for all age grades but a festival-like atmosphere that draws supporters, generates revenue, and proudly showcases the strength of our mini and junior sections. These evenings have been about more than just rugby—they’ve built memories, strengthened bonds, and celebrated our club culture.

The Evening’s Format and Fixtures:

This final Friday event began with a blended touch rugby match involving our U16s and U17s. The hour-long game served as both a warm-up and a statement: the future of Bracknell Rugby is bright. With teams mixed and the sun shining, supporters arriving early were treated to a competitive and spirited contest that highlighted the talent coming through the ranks.

Following that, a feature match took place between a Bracknell mixed U18/U19 team and a select Bracknell Seniors 3XV. This wasn’t just a showcase of youthful flair versus seasoned experience—it was a celebration of the development pathway that Bracknell has cultivated with great success. The game was an absolute thriller, ending in a nail-biting 29–28 result in favour of the 3XV, but it was the quality of rugby, the mutual respect, and the spirit in which it was played that left the biggest impression.

A Season of Progress and Pride:

This year has been an incredibly successful one for the Academy. We are immensely proud that around 14 of our Academy players have stepped up to represent the senior sides, some through special dispensation and others as full-fledged 18 year old players. The integration of Academy boys into senior rugby is a testament to the dedication of our coaching staff, the hard work of the players, and the structure we have built at the club.

Friday night’s performance by our Academy team reflected that journey. They pushed the Seniors all the way, combining physicality with flair, and above all, playing the Bracknell way—with heart, pride, and togetherness.

Looking Ahead:

Nights like this do more than cap off a season, they build lifelong memories and club loyalty. Creating these special occasions not only encourages our players to return during university breaks but also keeps those staying connected to the club that shaped them.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved: the players, coaches, parents, and supporters—from 1st team regulars to grandparents. Your support does not go unnoticed, and the energy you bring helps drive these young players forward.

Special thanks as well to Lewis Chick (3’s Head coach) and Becky Tipper (academy manager) for your help organising. Events like this only happen with the full support of the wider Bracknell rugby family, and we hope these Friday Night Lights continue as a calendar highlight for years to come.

Well done to all age groups who have played under the lights this season—and thank you to Bracknell Rugby Club for making it all possible. Here’s to a strong future in green and gold!