By Sarah Mountjoy
Thanet Wanderers’ SEND Team – affectionately known as The Lions – made a powerful impression at TagFest 2025 in Coventry this May, rounding off months of preparation and fundraising with a weekend of rugby, resilience and celebration.
The team travelled with three squads, representing both the club and the local SEND sporting community. Across the weekend, the players showcased exceptional teamwork, effort and enthusiasm, supported throughout by a team of coaches and volunteers who ensured every child felt valued and inspired.
TagFest, run by the children’s rugby charity Wooden Spoon, was far more than just a weekend away; it marked the culmination of many months of planning, community effort and determined fundraising. Andy Bull, the lead organiser worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the entire trip possible. From logistics and kit to coaching and communication, Andy was central to every aspect of the Lions’ journey to Coventry.
He said:“Tagfest 2025 was another amazing weekend for the Thanet Lions. Seeing 29 of our players taking part was a testament to the coaches who work tirelessly to deliver the SEND programme at the club.
“The 2025/26 season promises to be even bigger with the plans to introduce both an adult section and a team that has more severe learning difficulties to the programme. The future for SEND rugby at The Wanderers is an exciting one.”
Parent Dave Morgan, alongside Andy, completed the London Marathon to raise funds for the SEND programme—a huge personal achievement and a vital contribution towards the cost of the trip. Parents also supported the effort through bake sales and a tuck shop, and several children raised money at their schools.
The team includes players from both mainstream and specialist settings with a growing number from Foreland Fields School, where regular rugby sessions led by Thanet Wanderers’ coaches have helped introduce the sport to more young people. Staff members from Foreland Fields joined the trip, offering additional support and helping make the experience even more inclusive and enriching.
This year’s TagFest was made even more special with the presence of Jodie Ounsley, an inspirational figure in the world of rugby and a passionate advocate for disability sport. Jodie, who has overcome her own challenges to represent her country, took time to meet players, share her journey and celebrate what the festival stands for.
On the pitch, The Lions shone. One referee described a passage of play from one of the Under-15 teams as “the best they’d seen all day” – a proud moment that perfectly captured the spirit of the weekend.
A highlight off the field came in the form of Lia the Lion, the team mascot, who finished a proud 4th place in the TagFest mascot race. Dressed in team kit and a bright tutu, Lia added joy and colour to an already vibrant weekend.
One parent said: “Thanks to everyone for a wonderful weekend and making the Foreland Fields family part of your family. All the kids were amazing and I’m so proud of them. Everywhere I looked I was surrounded by smiles, happiness and belonging.”
“This weekend (and ever since we joined the SEN team) has been amazing. We feel blessed that our boy has had this opportunity to play in this sport, the team and an event that is so inclusive. This is very rare.” added another.
TagFest brought together SEND rugby teams from across the UK to celebrate inclusion, teamwork and community. Thanet Wanderers’ SEND section represented the club with pride and unity, demonstrating the powerful impact of inclusive sport.
With this year’s adventure complete, the team is already looking ahead. Fundraising for TagFest 2026 is getting underway—and supporters may soon spot The Lions out bag packing at Tesco as they roar into another year of opportunity, challenge and fun.
