Sport, skills, careers and community come together at Beyond the Final Whistle – a free family festival at Leigh RUFC on 5 September.

Beyond the Final Whistle 2026

Saturday 5 September 2026 | Leigh RUFC | FREE Community Festival

Sometimes, one conversation can change what happens next.

Beyond the Final Whistle is a free community festival bringing together sport, business, skills, careers, wellbeing and community support for a day designed to create opportunities, connections and a brilliant day out for the whole family.

Hosted by DMR Training in partnership with Leigh RUFC, the festival is built around a simple idea: opportunity shouldn’t stop when the final whistle blows.

Whether you're looking for your next career move, considering an apprenticeship, interested in training, wanting to connect with local support, looking for a new community activity or simply fancy a great day out with family and friends, there will be something for you.

🏉 Sport & Competition

Sport sits at the heart of the festival, with a tag rugby tournament and inclusive bowls competition taking place throughout the day.

Visitors will also have opportunities to get involved themselves, including FREE bowls taster sessions designed to encourage people of all ages and abilities to try something new and discover the social, physical and wellbeing benefits of community sport.

And the sporting action doesn't stop there – visitors can stay and enjoy Leigh RUFC's first rugby union fixture of the season.

💼 Explore the Opportunity Village

At the heart of the festival will be our Opportunity Village, bringing businesses, training providers and organisations directly into the community.

Come along and have real conversations about:

• Job vacancies and career opportunities

• Apprenticeships and routes into employment

• Training and qualifications

• Different industries and career pathways

• Skills development and progression

• Support available to help you take your next step

You don't need a CV, an appointment or even a clear idea of what you want to do next. Come along, start a conversation and see where it could lead.

❤️ Community, Wellbeing & Support

Beyond the Final Whistle isn't just about careers.

Community organisations and charities will be joining us throughout the festival to showcase the support, activities and opportunities available locally.

It's an opportunity to discover organisations you may never have come across before, have an informal conversation, find support for yourself or someone you know, or discover a new way to become involved in your community.

🎉 Bring the Family

This is a festival, so expect much more than stands and conversations!

Alongside the sport and Opportunity Village, there will be family entertainment, activities, performances and plenty happening throughout the day.

Come for an hour or make a day of it. Watch the sport, explore the festival, meet local organisations, discover opportunities and enjoy the atmosphere.

🌟 More Than a One-Day Event

Beyond the Final Whistle is about creating connections that continue long after 5 September.

For one person, that could mean discovering a new career.

For another, it could be meeting a future employer, finding a training opportunity, accessing support, joining a community activity or simply having a conversation with someone they needed to meet.

For others, it will simply be a fantastic day spent with family, friends and the local community.

Sport. Skills. Careers. Wellbeing. Community. Opportunity.

Whatever brings you through the gates, we hope you leave with something you didn't have when you arrived.

📅 Saturday 5 September 2026

📍 Leigh RUFC

🎟️ FREE to attend – register your place today.

Beyond the Final Whistle | DMR Training

Beyond the game. Beyond the training. Beyond the final whistle.

Description supplied by the event organiser.