Belfast Boys’ Model School Bursary Fund hosts gala dinner to mark 50th anniversary of famous Rugby Schools Cup win

The dinner, which is being held in the Europa Hotel at 7pm on Friday 8th October, will be hosted by BBC’s Mark Simpson and will look back on the Boys’ Model School’s major accomplishment of becoming the first and only non-grammar school to get their hands on the coveted Rugby Schools Cup.

To add to the celebration, the dinner will also remember the 25th anniversary of the “golden soccer year” in which Belfast Boys’ Model School swept the board in all football competitions across all age groups and recognise current cultural achievements at the School.

The event will also welcome special guest speaker, Frank Wilson, a former Boys’ Model teacher and player on the school’s winning team in 1971. Frank will look back fondly on and discuss his time playing at the school as well for Ulster and Ireland, the latter of which he wore the number 15 jersey in the 1970’s.

Former Head Boy, Head of the Civil Service and charity board Chair, Sir Nigel Hamilton expressed his joy that the dinner will be reflecting on and celebrating a key date within the school’s history:

“We are delighted that, after a tough year for everyone, the celebratory dinner will be a memorable event and an opportunity for former students, staff, friends and family of the Boys’ Model team to meet together and look back fondly on an important piece of history for the school and its players, past and present.

We’re thrilled to have a star studded line up of guests and to welcome Frank back home for a re-presentation of the Schools Cup which will be a very special moment for us all. Most importantly, this evening is about supporting our young boys to give them the opportunity and encouragement to excel. We hope that everyone comes out to support this worthy cause on Friday 8th October.”

Established in 2015, the charity provides bursaries to Boys’ Model pupils going into third level education, encouraging boys who are otherwise hesitant to pursue third level education, many of which are the first member of their extended family to go to university.

To date, the charity has provided funding of £61,000 to 25 pupils and this year will allocate seven awards.

Frank Wilson, former Boys’ Model teacher recognises first-hand the work of the charity and the effect the money raised has on the students involved:

“The bursary fund is essential in encouraging boys to raise their aspirations and help them further their education. The dinner will be a great night for all involved and a great opportunity to not only reflect on great times but also look forward to the future.

With the challenges of the pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we support young talent to further their education and open up more opportunities and we hope that this dinner will go a long way in raising much needed funding. It’s also a great way for us to connect with the local community and welcome more friends to the charity and we look forward to seeing old and new faces alike on the night.”

Guests are encouraged to book tickets early for what promises to be a great event for a worthy cause. To purchase a ticket for the event, visit https://airtable.com/shr6kvCKCyGwrMC0j or email [email protected]