Cumbria Rams are preparing to take part in the Vets Fest 25 on the back of a tournament win.
Taking place this year at Tyndale RFC on August 23, it will be the fifth time VetsFest has ever been held.
It will be the first time the tournament has taken place in the North of England.
The Rams prepared by winning the Tynedale Vets 10 tournament last week.
They were unbeaten in their round robin matches against Tynedale, Darlington and York.
Then in the final they were up against Darlington again and triumphed 31-19.
The team was made up of players from Cockermouth, Keswick, Workington, Carlisle, Aspatria and Kendal.
Saturday’s tournament outcome relies on the team doing well in the rugby tournament but also on the sum raised in the fundraising competition.
The team are putting their ageing bodies on the line and asking people in the county to make a donation to the charity so together they can help to improve the lives of local children and young people.
All Cumbria money pledged will be spent on Cumbrian projects.
Rugby has the power to change lives and this Wooden Spoon-titled initiative does that by funding life changing projects across the UK and Ireland supporting children and young people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or living with a disability.
The Wooden Spoon Cumbria Men’s Vets team, made up of veterans over 35 years old, came second in last year’s tournament overall and have recruited well again with players representing clubs from Aspatria, Carlisle, Cockermouth, Kendal, Keswick, Kirby Lonsdale, Penrith, Wensleydale, Wigton and Workington.
As part of the fundraising the Cumbrian rugby charity has teamed up with Kirkby Lonsdale Brewery to launch a new beer, with 10p from every pint sold going towards the charity.
Jim Beary, captain of the Wooden Spoon Cumbrian Veterans XV, said: “Wooden Spoon is a charity close to our hearts, and we are very grateful for the support from Kirkby Lonsdale brewery and our local rugby clubs and supporters across the county.”
The Wooden Spoon Session Ale is now available in pubs and venues across the North West.
Andy Jones, head of corporate partnerships at Wooden Spoon, said: “This initiative is a powerful example of how the rugby community can come together to make a lasting impact – one beer at a time”.
Chris Wright last year’s captain who has handed the baton on this year said: “This is a brilliant programme which ensures you don’t have to feel like your boots need to go in the bin.
“It enables players of retirement age to keep involved with competitive rugby on a national stage whilst raising funds for brilliant causes, Wooden Spoon is a special charity to be involved with.”
