Pocklington Premier Touch Rugby League Charity Tournament raises awareness & funds for Brain Tumour Research

What began as a small weekly social Touch Rugby League session has grown into a thriving community movement, culminating in a hugely successful charity tournament that brought together players, volunteers, sponsors and supporters from across the region.

On Sunday 9 August 2026, Pocklington hosted its first-ever Premier Touch Rugby League social charity event, welcoming eight teams, 80 players and around 200 attendees for a day that combined sport, community spirit and fundraising in memory of Cain North.

The event raised an impressive £1,500 for Brain Tumour Research, helping to support vital laboratory discovery science, national brain tissue banks, specialised clinical trials for targeted treatments and immunotherapies, and the training of future scientific leaders working to find a cure. The tournament was held in memory of Cain North, who sadly passed away aged 24 following a battle with rare brain condition. Cain was widely remembered as someone who brought people together through his energy, kindness and sense of fun.

Cain North | Brain Tumour Stories – Brain Tumour Research

Cain North Tributes - York Press

Event organiser James, who had been Cain's Head of Year at York High School, explained why the event meant so much to everyone involved: “Cain was someone who brought people together and was always full of energy and fun. It felt really important to us to remember him by doing something he would have enjoyed and bringing people together through sport. It was our turn to go above and beyond for a young man who would do anything for anyone.”

The RFL’s & event organisers redefinition of "Premier" in Premier Touch Rugby League represents far more than the standard of competition on the field. It reflects a commitment to creating high-quality experiences that bring people together through sport, regardless of age, ability or background.

Events such as the Pocklington charity tournament demonstrate how Premier Touch Rugby League can act as a powerful vehicle for social impact, strengthening community connections, improving physical and mental wellbeing, and creating opportunities for people to form lasting friendships. By providing an inclusive and welcoming environment, Premier Touch Rugby League helps unite communities, celebrate shared values and use the power of sport to make a positive difference both on and off the pitch.

The day began under sunny skies, setting the tone for an occasion filled with smiles, laughter and community spirit. Local businesses and organisations played a major role in creating an enjoyable experience for everyone in attendance.

Visitors were able to enjoy delicious pizzas from The Woodfired Kitchen, ice cream from Swirlz, sports therapy support from NettieFix Sports Massage, and photography coverage from Andy Nelson Photography. Meanwhile, York RLFC Foundation brought along their inflatable rugby field, providing extra entertainment for players and families.

The event would not have been possible without the support of 10 dedicated volunteers, local sponsors and community partners. Principal event sponsor was Little Win Competitions, supported by weekly sponsors:

• DM Dog Training
• TLS Plastering
• TJ Gardening
• OakBloke
• RL Shirt Seller

Additional support was provided by:

• York RLFC Foundation
• Swirlz Ice Cream
• Pocklington Football Club
• NettieFix Sports Massage
• Andy Nelson Photography
• The Woodfired Kitchen

Organisers wanted to pay a special tribute to Pocklington Football Club for hosting the event and helping to create a welcoming environment for all involved. Notable contributions from participating teams further boosted the fundraising effort, with Cain's All Stars donating £325 and York Masters contributing £250.

The tournament also highlighted the remarkable growth of Touch Rugby League in Pocklington. What started as a weekly session attracting 28 players has grown into a community of more than 90 participants. That growth was reflected in the tournament itself, with Pocklington Touch Rugby League entering four teams into the competition.

Many players have been attracted to the game because it offers all the enjoyment and fitness benefits of rugby league in a non-contact environment.

Rich Wilson said:

“The fact that it's given an old fella like me the chance to get back out there and get the ball back in my hands again. More importantly, it's the people. Everyone is friendly, nobody takes themselves too seriously and it's just a great hour with a good bunch of people.

"Don’t overthink it, get yourselves along. I was unsure at first, but you're made to feel welcome straight away. You don't need to be the fittest or the best player. It's about getting involved, having a laugh and enjoying yourself.”

Ed Hampshire added:

“I like the non-contact version of Rugby League. Being self-employed, I can enjoy playing rugby as I have done all my life without the same risk of injury you get with contact variations.

"It's the perfect activity which mixes high-intensity training with socialisation after work midweek. The people who take part put in the effort to make the games competitive, however it's more about everyone having a laugh and enjoying the experience instead of worrying who's winning or losing.”

Member of Pocklington Touch Niall Quin echoed those sentiments:

“Being part of a group that has fun and wants to just have an evening of enjoying rugby together no matter the level or background.

"If you want to be part of a great community of people who don't necessarily know each other before but are really welcoming, whilst also getting an hour or so of fun exercise, Pock Touch is one hundred percent for you.”

On the field, the tournament produced plenty of competitive action. The final saw No Touchy face York Masters B in a closely contested encounter. For large periods of the match, York Masters B applied sustained pressure to the No Touchy try line. However, No Touchy capitalised on their opportunities, scoring two crucial tries to secure victory and lift the inaugural Premier Touch Rugby League Charity Event trophy.

Despite the competitive nature of the tournament, the emphasis throughout the day remained firmly on the social elements of friendship, inclusion and community.

Event Co-Organiser James reflected:

“All the players stayed after the event when they could have gone home and it was great to see the positivity on faces all day. Keeping within the spirit of our social Wednesday night sessions but with more people who don’t usually come down.”

Co-Event Organiser Jack added:

“I knew some of the York Masters players who I used to play with and don't see much anymore, and it was great to share more moments on the field, whether I was playing or officiating the sport we all love.”

Looking back on the event, organisers James Walker and Jack Stearman said:

“The support shown throughout the day was incredible and helped create a truly memorable event, one that celebrated Cain’s life, his love of sport and the community around him, while raising much-needed funds for a cause close to his heart.”

Bradley Kelk, RFL Social Officer, praised those behind the initiative:

“I would like to personally congratulate Jack, James and Annie for their fantastic contribution towards their local community, but also the impact they have made in raising awareness and fundraising for Brain Tumour Research UK.”

Following the success of the inaugural event, organisers have already set their sights on an even bigger tournament next year.

Plans for 2027 are underway to:

• Double the number of teams and attendees.
• Open the event to a wider audience (different regions and organisations).
• Hold the tournament at a similar time of year in 2027.
• Continue growing participation through weekly Touch Rugby League sessions.

The group also has long-term ambitions of establishing a competitive Pocklington Touch team to enter regional Premier Touch Rugby League charity tournaments.

Everyone at Pocklington Touch Rugby League also extended their thanks to the players, teams, sponsors, volunteers, massage therapists, food vendors, photographers, referees, administration staff and everyone who donated their time and money to support the occasion.

The final few words from Jack & James when reviewing the event afterwards:

“Just a massive thank you! We are a small part of the jigsaw. Two blokes that wanted to start a weekly social touch session and to now be running an event of this magnitude and success has blown us away.

Thanks to everyone who has been part of the journey so far. We look forward to welcoming new players, sponsors and volunteers in the future.”

Anyone interested in playing, volunteering, sponsoring future events or learning more is encouraged to follow Pocklington Touch Rugby League on Facebook or contact the organisers via pocktouchrl@gmail.com.

Anyone interested in setting up a Premier Touch Rugby League Charity Event please contact Bradley.kelk@rfl.co.uk.