Dylan Bellamy was chosen to go down to Twickenham to launch Manchester Academy's new Rugby kit at the England versus Ireland Six Nations game on Saturday 27th February, 2016.
The kit was designed by Dylan and a number of other students in September as part of the All School rugby initiative. The initiative was set up to encourage more students into playing rugby and joining local rugby clubs.
Dylan has done just that joining Broughton Park after enjoying rugby in his school PE lessons.
The kit launch day was a day to remember for Dylan who had a once in a lifetime opportunity to receive the kit in front of 82,000 spectators and millions watching on TV. Dylan started the day with a presentation and was given the opportunity to meet Dave Attwood, a young England international who has represented his country twice but has been hampered by injury this Six Nations campaign.
He was then given time to rehearse singing the national anthem as he was going to have to do this in front of 82,000 people with world famous operatic singer, Laura Wright. Dylan was then given the chance to perform a guard of honour for the England team as they entered Twickenham.
Finally Dylan was lucky enough to stand on the hallowed turf of Twickenham and sing the national anthem before enjoying a great England win.
Let's hope it is not the first time Dylan is donning a rugby shirt in front of a Twickenham crowd!
Stephen Smith
Curriculum Area Leader, PE
I was lucky enough to get picked by Mr Smith to attend an event organised by the CBRE All Schools Programme for Rugby. The event was to unveil our school’s new rugby shirt which I and three other pupils designed. It was held at Twickenham Stadium, the home of England Rugby.
I took part in the choir that sung the national anthem for the Rugby Six Nations England vs Ireland. During the first part of the day I also met Dave Attwood, professional England player and had photos taken wearing the new school kit.
When I walked onto the pitch with the other participants it was amazing. Standing in front of over 81,000 spectators was overwhelming, but we were all ready to sing the national anthem and cheer England on. I also got to watch the brilliant match afterwards.
The whole day was truly spectacular and one that I will never forget.
Dylan Bellamy