Funding from Cala enables return of annual netball and rugby festival this August

A social enterprise in North Hertfordshire is set to host the district's largest adult sporting festival this summer, supported by event sponsorship from Cala Homes.

For the second year running, Cala's donation will help the Hitchin-based social enterprise Back2Schoolival host the North Herts Rugby and Netball Festival 2022.

The event's organisers hope the event this year will build further on the successes of the festival in 2021, which saw more than 500 people take part and over 1,000 people attend for the food festival and live music.

Taking place from 5:30pm - 9:30pm on Friday 12th August and from midday – 10 pm on Saturday 13th August, the two-day sporting festival is free to attend, and will be an opportunity for the local sporting community to get together for a day of netball and rugby fixtures, as well as local food, live music and entertainment.

The festival's organiser, Adam Howard, hopes the day will not only constitute a celebration of sport, but also see the coming together of the Hitchin community.

Adam said: "We started the Back2Schoolival CIC in 2015 with the aim of getting the school's ex-pupils back together for rugby and netball games – almost like a reunion. From there, it really went from strength to strength, growing into a large event for the whole community,

"Sport isn't just important for the physical and mental wellbeing of those taking part, but it's also intrinsic to the fabric of what ties communities together. That's why we're excited to be able to hold the festival yet again this year, thanks to support from Cala and our other sponsors, to see the coming together of the Hitchin community.

"Our sponsors are all community driven businesses, who like us, want to give back to the areas they work in and serve - Cala shares that ethos, so the business is a natural partner for the festival. It's hard to express just how much community events like ours rely on the support of sponsors to come back year-on-year, and this year is expected to be bigger and better than before!"

The donation from Cala Homes North Home Counties follows the housebuilder's purchase of land from North Hertfordshire College's Hitchin campus. The sale of the site also enabled a £12m investment by the college into new state-of-the-art sporting and teaching facilities. With showhomes now open, Hurlocke Fields is a development of 116 homes and public open space within walking distance of the town centre.

The new sports facilities will be available to both students and the wider community. The existing outdated sports hall and squash court building will be demolished and replaced with a modern multi-purpose sports hall, gym and changing areas, a new 3G football pitch and sports science teaching facilities.

Glenn Copper, Cala Homes North Home Counties Sales and Marketing Director, said: "As we're developing Hurlocke Fields nearby to the college, we really felt the sponsorship of the festival closely aligned with our community pledge of support to Hitchin.

"This is just one example of how Cala strives to make a positive and lasting contribution to the areas in which we build. We can't wait to see the community come together for this celebration of sport, music and food."

Cala's new development in Hitchin, Hurlocke Fields, consists of a mix of 1 and 2-bedroom apartments as well as 2,3 and 4-bedroom homes, situated adjacent to North Herts College.

Under half a mile from Hitchin train station and 1.5 miles from Hitchin town centre, the site offers easy access to a great choice of restaurants, cafes, boutiques and high street brands, as well as a host of well-regarded schools.

With a first selection of apartments due for release later in the summer, homes are currently available from £757,450 for a four-bedroom house.

For further information on the festival, please visit: https://m.facebook.com/NorthHerts22/ and to find out more about Cala Homes, please visit: www.cala.co.uk