CLF takes over Ashton Gate stadium

A multi-academy schools trust based in Bristol transformed Ashton Gate Stadium thanks to an innovative new partnership with Bristol Bears Rugby Club.

Ahead of the Bears’ 5.30pm kick-off against Pau on Sunday, the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) took over the stadium, filling it with student-led entertainment, performances and pre-match atmosphere.

Bristol Bears had offered 3,000 free tickets to CLF schools to distribute to families and colleagues across the trust, and all were claimed within days, highlighting the excitement across the Federation.

The stadium came alive with contributions from students across multiple CLF academies:

• On the Bears Den Stage in the South Stand concourse, DJ Jems, a student from Bristol Brunel Academy, and Kian, from Digitech, joined the stadium’s official DJ to build the pre-match atmosphere.
• In the Lansdown Concourse, Leyton, an up and coming guitarist from Digitech entertained before the John Cabot Academy dance group delivered a high-energy performance that drew large crowds.
• Moments before kick-off, Rafa and Yahye, Post-16 students, took over the stadium microphone to announce the all-important team selection.
• Just seconds before the match began, Bryson, from Bristol Brunel Academy, walked out through the tunnel to present the official Match Ball at the centre spot.

A live Q&A session featuring Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, alongside his son George who is a Bristol Bears player. The session took place at the Bears Den in the South Stand Concourse in front of both Bears and Pau fans.

Throughout the afternoon, artwork created by CLF students illuminated the stadium’s giant screens and featured across Bristol Bears’ social media channels.

Half-time entertainment was led by Angel, a Bristol Brunel Academy student, who captivated the crowd with a powerful vocal performance of ‘Set Fire to the Rain’ by Adele.

Tom Tainton CEO, of Bristol Bears, said: “Seeing Ashton Gate filled with the energy and enthusiasm of CLF students has been fantastic.

“Inspiring young people and building community connections sits at the heart of what we do and today showed just how powerful that partnership can be.

“We were proud to open our doors and share this experience with so many students and families.”

Andrew Bell, Partnership Manager for the Cabot Learning Federation, added: “This event was a celebration of our students, their creativity, their confidence, and their passion.

“Working alongside Bristol Bears gives our young people opportunities they’ll remember for years, and today they absolutely rose to the occasion.

“We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by the club and the Foundation.”