For the second year the club has worked closely with Northampton School Sports Partnership (NSSP) to give nearly 1,000 Year Six students from across Northampton the opportunity to try their hand at several sports in one location.

Sports included in the NSSP Year Six Festival of Sport were tag rugby, football, golf, cricket, volleyball, basketball, athletics and martial arts, all being taught by fully qualified coaches. The children rotated through three stations in each session, with three sessions in the morning and another three in the afternoon.

The students had something else to grab their attention too - the European Challenge Cup trophy, which had pride of place in many photos from teachers and children alike!

"Franklin's Gardens is a fantastic place to host the day," said Natalie Lawrence, partnership manager from NSSP. "It is the only facility that we can possibly use for this type of festival. We know that the children are safe, that they can't escape and we're really grateful to the Saints for the way they accommodate us each year."

Ms Lawrence continued: "The feedback from the schools last year was fantastic - they all wanted it again!

"The day is linked into a national programme across the country. So far this week we've had our partnership awards, three football festivals, a cup stacking festival and this festival is the culmination of the week."

"We had a great time holding the Festival of Sport last year and were more than happy to host it again," said Sian Haynes, head of community at Northampton Saints. "The pitches we have at Franklin's Gardens are kept in wonderful condition by David Powell and his staff, and we are grateful for their continued support. When combined with the hard standing areas we have a facility that is perfect for a multi-sport festival like the one organised by the Northampton School Sports Partnership today.

"I would also like to thank the Saints playing department, who have been so accommodating with us as well in moving today's training sessions."